Looking Forward: The Power of the People of the East End

Slowly and with some pain we are all getting back to our pre-Sandy routines, as we take aim at Thanksgiving and the bigger holiday season beyond.

Our wallets and savings have taken an immediate hit whether it was for items like generators, heaters, or repair costs not covered by insurance. Some of our neighbors still are suffering the inconvenience of still being without power, water, heat, gas, Internet, cable and telephone coverage.

As a backdrop there was an election, and no real change is going to happen in our political world, as most local incumbents and national incumbents won. So what is my point? Writing about so many of the legends and traditions of the East End over the last decade gave me an opportunity to meet both the local backbone, and the summer visitors that give the East End its vibrance — the artists, the craftsmen, the carpenters, the construction experts, the town workers, the store owners, the store employees. And do you know what they all have in common? They love the area. They love the ocean, the bays, the coves, the ponds and the lakes. They love the old farms, and they love the way of life.

That is why I feel everything will be OK and better very soon, because all those smacked by the recent storm, love their life out on the east end that they will work hard and fast to make it right again. For some reason I feel the holiday season this year will be more emotional, powerful and fulfilling. Too many have looked calamity in it's huge eye and escaped intact with their families, homes, pets and way of life.

There will be a new host of reasons to be thankful on Thanksgiving and high spirited in the holiday season beyond. The benefits, the helping hands, the high level of neighborly deeds has made me proud to be able to see the best face of the inhabitants of the East End of this Long Island that is a barrier to the Atlantic for 100 miles.