Sandy..a journey of obstacles to rebuild

This last year we have learned alot quickly about the process of rebuild after Sandy. One family in particular we are rebuilding are the Eckerts, Peter and Phyllis. Upstanding members of the community. They raised there family here and now have grandchildren. The couple who have lived in Brick since the roads were dirt, as a matter of fact the home they live in was built by Phyllis' uncle in the 50's. There lot is quite irregular as lots were back then. This makes for a warm and fuzzy story until disaster hits and there lives were turned upside down, and sideways. In the many years they lived in Nejecho Beach they had NEVER seen much in the way of flooding. Even though they lived across from a canal and a block away from the bay. Only out of devine intervention, and upon the ending of there mortgage did they learn they should have had flood insurance and decided to add it on. The days after Sandy were hard. At first they got family and friends to help them gut the home they had always known. Trying to save pictures that dated back to Petes time in the service in Germany and before, that were once kept safe from harm in rubbermaid containers. Nothing escaped Sandys devastation with the ring around the home that went up the wall 4', water tipped everything over and got into EVERYTHING. Gutting the home was fruitless and they turned to contractors that basically told them it was not worth it to rebuild. The light in there eyes went dim but they never lost hope. In February they decided to fight and call in Steven Del Prete who told them it can be done! That was all they needed to hear. They had already been to meetings given by the town and F.E.M.A in the aftermath and knew the work ahead. Demolition began finally in September and the ball was rolling but the obstacle's kept rolling in...we would like to take you through this couples fight to keep what was theirs..