The Red Cross was picking its way through the piles of rubble that lined Cedar Grove as we followed in their footsteps. They carried some water and meals, but primarily they were alerting residents that a larger distribution point had been established up the road in the parking lot of New Dorp High School with assistance from FEMA. The contents of everyone’s homes lined the road, making it impossible for vehicles to get through. Beds, TVs, and even a large section of a wall with a Joey Ramone Birthday Bash poster mounted on it rested in the street. Seafoam Street, where Julija lived, had been partially cleaned. The debris that once clogged it in an even coat of branches and shingles was now gathered in piles taller than me and too numerous to count.

Ana was visibly shaking as we approached the small house and pitted chain-link fence. I couldn’t blame her. Part of me expected that we were going to find something...unpleasant. Ana inched through the gate and up to two short steps to the front door. Immediately after knocking on the door she broke down and cried as Skye and Figgy started barking.

Photo: Courtesy of Ron Hill