[Tanniker Smith]

Checking in from Brooklyn. The Smith family is all safe and sound. We were one of the lucky ones. No flooding, no power loss, no massive tree damage. We lost some siding in one section. The new roof sailed through like a charm.

We put up a couple of relatives for a couple of days (as did my sister), so I didn't work at a shelter like I was planning to. It's just as well. Although those 12-hour shifts at the "per session" rate in the UFT contract would've added up, I probably would've wound up sleeping at the shelter Monday night instead of coming home, leaving my wife alone with the kids and my relatives, and some loose siding. Not an ideal situation.

Some of my friends weren't so lucky. Some lost power, some lost cars and a lot of "stuff". At this point, as long as everyone's safe, the rest is just "stuff". Best way to think of it.

I've been in contact, making sure they're okay, and seeing if they need anything. Hey, looking after each other -- "That's What Friends Are For"

(Can I go full circle, back to the thread's theme, or what?)

[fatima]

((((Hugs)))) You sound battle weary as us.Son worked the night sift at the busiest rescue squad in America and left behind his wife and 4 children.Son in Law was in the hospital when it hit,lost power but they had back up-he said his bed was shaking.Son-in Law left wife and year old son behind to fix electric for so many souls.Been a hell of a week but we are still here.Thanks Tanniker Smith.
That’s what Friends are for-Lyrics
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jY6t51I8R0

[Kathy in Alaska]

I’m late, but thanks, TS, for checking in. So glad The Smith family is all well and almost unscathed.