Forces of nature defeated by forces of human kindness

Hurricane Sandy left a trail of devastation and suffering behind last fall. The Connecticut shoreline was not spared including Clinton, Westbrook and Old Saybrook. Generous Americans across the country responded to the need and gave millions to the United Way Hurricane Sandy Relief Fund. The fund was established to help people and affected communities with long term recovery needs. 

Middlesex United Way received more than $92,000 from the fund to be used in Middlesex County. We are working with local town social services staff to identify people whose needs were not covered by insurance or FEMA.

One such person is Connie Goodwin of Old Saybrook. Connie is an elderly woman who is caring for her paraplegic grandson, Eddie, who was injured in an accident, as well as her young grandchild for whom Eddie was the primary parent. Connie’s home sustained a lot of damage during the storm, including flooding of her basement, tree debris, lost appliances, a broken furnace, trees that came down on and broke her fencing. 

I had the pleasure of spending some time with Connie and Eddie on several occasions recently. I heard about how they adapted to having no water or running furnace for two months. I heard about the struggle to make ends meet as Connie works two part-time jobs. But mostly I heard about resiliency, the importance of a positive attitude and a can-do spirit, and hope for a better future. 

So a collaboration of town officials—led by Old Saybrook Social Services Director Sue Consoli and Old Saybrook First Selectman Carl Fortuna, also a member of the Middlesex United Way Board of Directors—took action to help Connie and her family. Funds from Middlesex United Way were used to purchase materials and supplies to repair Connie’s home. A mission team from a Baptist church in Green Bay, Wisconsin came last week to provide the necessary labor. The team of 31 people, mostly teens, traveled in a school bus and camped in the area. On one of my visits there, several local residents stopped by to lend their muscle and skills. They weren’t the only ones. I heard stories of others who drove by, wondered what was needed, and then came back to lend a hand. Americans helping each other. It doesn’t get any better than that.

So the end result is a cleaned up the property, a new fence, repairs to the deck and the ramp, a new dishwasher, a beautiful yard, fresh paint and much, much more.

LIVE UNITED.