In December 2008 Sunpoint Farm was hit by an historic ice storm which knocked out electricity for over 95% of Derry, NH. We learned what community really meant, as Paul and Scott worked hard to help neighbors clean up downed trees, and Bob and Tate Conlon trekked all the way to Patterson, NJ to purchase generators for themselves and neighbors. The house up the road (70 Old Chester Rd.) was symbolically restored to power around midnight on Christmas Eve. Paul, Patricia, Malia, and I were at the Hampstead Episcopal Church Christmas Eve service that evening, singing carols and listening to inspirational stories of neighbors helping neighbors all across the area.
Yes, there was vandalism and theft, which, I suppose, shows that crises bring out the best and the worst of us. However, this experience has left me grateful for those luxuries I have taken for granted: light, heat, and water. And more than ever it has shown me that community is really, really the answer.
My parents survived the dust bowl of Oklahoma in the '30's because of friends, neighbors, and families. They reinforced in me the necessity for us to support one another in hard times.
This crisis proved again that their lessons are as true today as they were 70 years ago.
Thanks to Scott who took the photos of Sunpoint Farm and who tolerated the invasion of four round-the-clock inhabitants at the farmhouse, where wood stoves and water from the local fire station, as well as Paul's stash of candles (garnered from various yard sales) kept us going through the darkest hours.
