Three weeks after Hurricane Sandy ravaged the East Coast, the storm’s impact was all anyone could discuss. The devastation in Atlantic Beach, New York, was significant, though less severe than in nearby Long Beach. Flooded basements, uprooted trees, and damaged roofs were common sights. Amidst the cleanup efforts, an unexpected encounter unfolded, offering a powerful lesson in kindness and gratitude.
As twilight descended, plunging the street into darkness, a monstrous, camouflaged military vehicle rumbled to a halt outside our home. Four Marines in full combat gear emerged, searching for a reported overturned Jeep with a trapped soldier. After confirming there was no such vehicle, they requested directions back to their base in Farmingdale. Their reliance on handwritten directions in the age of GPS elicited a smile from my father.
My parents, ever hospitable, invited the weary Marines, who had been working for over 48 hours, inside for a bathroom break. My mother, true to her nurturing nature, extended an invitation for dinner. A barbecue was underway, powered by a grill as the house remained without electricity. Initially hesitant, the commander eventually relented, backing the massive Humvee into our driveway.
Inside our candlelit, powerless home, the soldiers shared stories of their service, the challenges of separation from family, and the realities of deployment in Iraq. The conversation flowed, punctuated by the commander’s polite refusal to answer certain sensitive questions. My mother, realizing the commander wasn’t eating, discovered he lacked a fork, a humorous moment in the midst of the shared meal.
As the meal concluded, the commander expressed profound gratitude, requesting my father’s email address to reciprocate the kindness. My father insisted it wasn’t necessary, emphasizing the importance of community support. The soldiers, noticing the yarmulkes worn by my father and brother, seemed curious but refrained from asking questions. Before departing, the commander, clearly moved by the hospitality, confessed that staying longer would bring him to tears.
The encounter served as a poignant reminder of the good that can emerge from even the most devastating circumstances. Amidst the widespread suffering caused by Sandy, the opportunity to express gratitude to these dedicated servicemen and provide a moment of respite was a profound experience. It highlighted the importance of kindness, community, and recognizing the sacrifices of those who serve. The act of providing a warm meal transcended the physical act, becoming a powerful symbol of hope and shared humanity in the aftermath of a natural disaster.
