Five years ago, Hurricane María hit the archipelago. Back then, I lived in New York City. I can still remember hearing about it – one of my cousins had sent me a disturbing video. My maternal family is from Trujillo Alto, in the north eastern part of Borikén (aka Puerto Rico).
In the clip she sent you could hear the howling 100mph + winds, All I could see was pouring rain alongside the window blinds where she must have been recording.
Tears caressed my cheeks – it was horrifying.
I felt helpless and guilty for not being there. For the next several weeks, I did what I could – talking to co-workers who, like me, had relatives on the island. Contacting non-profit organizations, I sent donations and spread the word on social media. I meditated and kept in touch with my cousin and others.
Even today, I hold guilt for not doing more.
Another One, Different Name
Fast forward to last month.
Another big storm hit Borikén: Fiona. And though this time many say it was not as rough as María, there are still residents on the south and western parts of the main island without electricity.
This time is also different because I now live here.
But what remains the same is the fact that before the storm made landfall, my partner & I had a trip to NYC. He was one of 10 artists to participate in a tribute to Boricua activist, Evelina Antonetty. Two days after we arrived in NJ (where our host lives), Fiona had begun its chaos on our homeland.
Keeping Perspective
We returned home two days after Fiona hit. Though there are those who say “you’re lucky you weren’t here,” we weren’t intending to escape the storm. We followed the weather reports that indicating heavy rains and winds would arrive.
But, we didn’t think it would turn into a hurricane.
None of that matters, because we can’t turn back the clock. What matters is how I am doing my part to help my people. During our brief trip to NYC, a friend of mine had met up with us to give us batteries and LED lights she had purchased.
Returning home, I gave these out to friends and neighbors here in Loíza. I visited with elderly folks, listening to them and spending some time with them – it is the least I could do. Again, I spread the word of how to connect with non-profit organizations.
I went to Techos Pa Mi Gente with two friends to volunteer our services (we prepared lunch & delivered same to workers re-building the roof of a local family). We drove to Salinas, a southeastern coast town impacted by the hurricane. Taking supplies (canned food, diapers, cleaning agents) another friend and Taller Tamboricua had purchased.
Being safe, having a roof over my head, being able to help others – these are what truly matter. It shouldn’t take a disastrous hurricane to remind me.
