Riding out Hurricane Sandy in FL

We always thought that if we were to get caught up in the aftermath of a hurricane it would be in Florida, but this time it was New Jersey.

Late October 2012, we decided to fly down to Florida for a 3-day weekend. As we sat in Newark Airport the televisions were warning of the Halloween Monster Storm. Off we went, landing in PBI late that night. As we landed Hurricane Sandy was moving north towards the FL coast but far out to sea. 

Friday was an exciting day on the beach – wind whipping, ocean riled, sand blasting our skin – so fun. 

Saturday was sunny and perfect, but the beach was ugly! Everyone was out on the beach surveying the damage; the storm surge being the greatest cause of damage, which was extensive. Up and down the beach it was a mess. Debris, both natural and man-made, was everywhere. Beach access stairways and ramps dangled in mid-air. Waves smashed up against dunes, leaving no place to walk in some places. Inland, there was no damage. 

This is the pump house at the PB Inlet. We have never seen the ocean come in
over the break wall on this side. It flooded nearby swimming pools with sand.

Our flight back to NJ was to leave early Monday a.m. so we could both be back at work by mid-morning. Even though Sandy was not getting to NJ till late that Monday evening, our flight was cancelled. Our offices had already sent out emails closing the office on Tuesday. That night and next day, Sandy pummeled NJ, as we all know from the devastating videos and photos. So much of Jersey was without power. Trees down everywhere. And so much of the shore gone.

Bryan was home taking care of our home. Fortunately, we had no direct damage from downed trees. Bryan sent photos of our road where he could hardly get his car through. He managed to stay warm by the fireplace, charge his phone in the car, and BBQ his meals outside.

Broken telephone pole

Wires down at the bottom of our road

We continued to work remotely from Florida as our colleagues and neighbors in NJ were without water and power. By Friday, our Saturday flights seemed to be a ‘go’ but we still did not have power at home. I decided to stay another week so I could work, and Don went home to check on Bryan and the house. Fortunately our power was back as of late Friday. Everything was fine and … except for the panic over finding gas!

We were lucky during Hurricane Sandy, unlike so many – too many still struggling. Slowly but surely, downed trees have been cut up and removed, transformers that sat on the side of our roads for weeks have been picked up, roofs have been repaired, and wires have been raised off the road. 

My Dad

My Dad passed away on December 9, 2012. 

Dad with Bryan & Carolyn, Feb 1996

My Dad was the kind of person who positively affected everyone he met and everything he touched. He almost always provoked a smile or laugh, although he was not the 'joker,' and he was forever tweaking, fixing or augmenting some gadget or item. An affable engineer throughout his life. He was able to address difficult and simple issues with calm and logic, while maintaining dignity for all. He was not loud or pushy, just strong and good with a win-win attitude.

Dad wore many hats in his life – the main ones mentioned in his obit, below, which barely conveys the warm essence of his person, as obituaries rarely do. It seems to me that he was respected no matter the hat. First and foremost, Dad was a dedicated family man. Everything he did was for my Mom, his kids, son- & daughter-in-law, and grandkids. 

Being one who liked to write, along with Mom, Dad wrote us many letters throughout the years and always expressed his love for us. We were never in doubt that we were loved and cared about. Speaking of writing, he collected tidbits of family information for years with the idea that he'd compile a family tree for all of us, but especially for my brother, John, and I. Early in retirement, Dad set about consolidating his notes, photos and news clippings into a book that we will always treasure. Some of the information would have been lost forever if he hadn't thought to ask relatives, now long gone, about their siblings and parents. 

As his daughter, I can say he led by example. Good example. With my Mom, they showed us that its important to take care of your health and your family, honor your commitments, and love and respect your spouse. My Mom and Dad truly loved each other, did kind things for each other daily, discussed their plans and goals, and did most activities together. Although my Mom always kept busy with clubs and later returned to work, they always found time to go for a walk together. Mom always said it was the best time – sometimes they’d talk through things or talk about their kids (!) and sometimes they walked along in contented silence. Mom is often stopped by strangers who say things like, "We call you the Walkers!" I’m sure it wasn't always blissful and perfect, but they always moved on and presented a united front. They were a pair for 57-1/2 years.

Helen Duff and Bill Fraser, 1954
with Dad's 1953 Ford Victoria Hard Top

In his retirement years, Dad volunteered his time and skills as a member of the Condominium Association in Florida. He spent many years on the board and knew every nook and cranny of the building. The past year my husband and I have spent a lot of time in the same condo and have been overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and concern for my Dad. People I've never met make a point of coming over to introduce themselves to ask me to relay messages of thanks and support to Dad throughout his illness.

Living a long active life, he had to opportunity to hear from so many people whose lives he touched in the past year. It was so thoughtful of all those who took the time to drop him a note or card before he passed away. Lucky for Dad, he was alert to the end, so was able to fully appreciate the comments. Here is one that was especially kind, that came to my Mom in January,

Morning Helen,    Our sincere condolences on Bill's passing. I've met a lot of men in my life, but a better man I never new. He was in a class of his own. God only knows how my life would have turned out if he hadn't hired and mentored me--a 20 year old kid at that time. He was the best boss I ever had and it pleased me greatly to be able to tell him that a couple of years ago when he was still in fairly good health. I will always have fond memories of Bill Fraser.Do take good care of yourself and may 2013 onward treat you kindly,   John M

I was so fortunate to be his daughter, and to be with him and my Mom during his last four days.

Dad and I, Oct 5, 1985 - Just before going into the church.

If our purpose is to spread goodwill and leave the world better for having been here, my Dad fulfilled his purpose. I love and miss you Dad.