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Mostly Cloudy Their love has weathered the storm
Hurricane Sandy victims renew their wedding vows at Bridgeview Yacht Club
Hurricane Sandy flooded the homes of many, destroying worldly possessions, damaging family heirlooms and ruining photo albums that marked a lifetime of memories.
With this in mind, Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray officiated over the renewal of the wedding vows of those loving couples that lost so much in the storm — couple who proved that the power of love is stronger than the forces of nature. The couples came to the Bridgeview Yacht Club — which was itself under seven feet of water during the storm — and hailed from East Rockaway, Oceanside, Meadowmere Park, Island Park, Wantagh, Seaford, Freeport, Baldwin Harbor and Bellmore. The theme of the celebration was “Love That Has Weathered the Storm” as couples renewed their vows and were treated to a festive celebration afterward.
Christine and Andrew Polizzi: When it rains, it pours
At one time or another we’re all used the phrase, “when it rains, it pours.” But Christine and Andrew Polizzi haven’t just used the phrase, they’ve lived it.
One year after Hurricane Irene wiped out an entire floor of their split-level home in East Rockaway, Andrew and Christine had finally completed all the necessary repairs and were ready to move on with their lives — but little did they know that by October 29, their dreams of a bright future were replaced by snapshots from a dark past when they were again faced with replacing floors, wall, furniture, appliances and paperwork on both floors of their home. Hurricane Sandy destroyed the entire house, just one month after they had completed all repairs on the damage caused by Irene.
Not surprisingly, post-Sandy life became quite stressful for Andrew, Christine and their two daughters Adrianna and Isabella. Living with family for the better part of three months, the Polizzi’s have worked hard to begin repairs on their home, deal with insurance companies, race to get their kids to and from their daily activities and, somehow, keep their love alive.
“And the Polizzi’s stand before us today having proven that the best thing to hold onto in life is each other,” said Murray. “Indeed, it has rained and poured on Andrew and Christine once again. And though their umbrella may be the gutted interior of their East Rockaway home, with no walls or floor on the ground level, the Polizzi’s realize that the health of their family and their love for each other will always give them strength. “Andrew and Christine have weathered the storm, two storms to be precise, and we are proud to wish them smooth sailing as they continue their journey together.”
And the couple sealed it with a kiss.
