Despite being surrounded by the devastation of Hurricane Sandy, I see lifelines of hope. Emergency responders. Selfless volunteers. Loving professionals. Churches, neighborhoods, and communities banding together physically and emotionally to take care of the needy Sandy left behind. There is hope.
Originally built in Ohio in 1922, The Jane Carousel was restored and placed under The Brooklyn Bridge in 2011. It’s on an outcropping just before the East River meets the Hudson in DUMBO (Down Under Manhattan Bridge Overpass), a thriving Brooklyn neighborhood that sustained extensive flooding and damage during Sandy. (Many know this area for The Brooklyn Bridge Park, Grimaldi’s, and The Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory.)
But, the merry-go-round survived. It survived! The floors warped but the horses are fine and the carousel is expected to be in working condition in a few months. It’s become a symbol of resilience and hope in the face of fear, loss, and devastation. Some have called it The Little Carousel That Could and I echo this nickname, with tears in my eyes, and hope in my heart that there will be comfort for the many who have lost so much this last week. Our hearts are full as we do our best to help each other in this difficult time.
Post also on Design Mom, with beautiful comments on community unity and love.
P.S. If you live in New York, follow Occupy Sandy and Red Hook Initiative on Twitter. They're both killing it. If you live outside New York, jump on Amazon and buy from Sandy Relief Effort's Wishlist. Ship it straight to the address listed in Staten Island. You can also mail warm coats for babies and toddlers in sizes 0-5 directly to Baby Buggy (306 W. 37th St., 8th Fl; NYC 10018). (Latter info via A Cup of Jo.) xo