Hurricane Maria caused widespread devastation across the island of Puerto Rico in October 2017. Fierce winds tore through power lines, destroyed homes and businesses, ravaged vegetation, and tragically claimed lives. The entire island was left without electricity, running water, gas, or internet access.
For nearly two weeks, I was unable to communicate with my family. Although they were physically unharmed and suffered only minor structural damage to their properties, Puerto Ricans were left facing the immense challenge of surviving day by day, as if they had been violently thrust into a primitive era.
Once viewed by many as the “Land of Enchantment,” the island was reduced to ruins, a haunting glimpse of paradise lost. I know that in time, Puerto Ricans will rise above this tragic and unexpected event. They possess the strength, resilience, and determination to endure. They will rebuild. They will move forward.
But will it ever be the same?