Family Celebrates Special Independence Day After Losing Home To Sandy

NEW YORK(CBSNewYork) -- This year's Independence Day celebration took on special significance for one family on the South Shore of Long Island. The Farrell's lost their home to Superstorm Sandy, but told CBS 2 that the disaster brought them closer together.

"The entire back foundation of our house collapsed into our basement along with half of our yard, and the entire basement was filled with water," Ann Mary Farrell told CBS 2's Cindy Hsu.

The Farrells couldn't afford to rebuild their home, so they moved in with their grandmother Ann Fernan at her Merrick home.

"We are lucky, we are very lucky because we all get along for one thing so that makes it a whole lot easier," Ann Mary said.

It could have been worse, the Farrells evacuated before Sandy hit, but that did not stop them from losing a number of family treasures. Tom Farrell told CBS 2 that he regrets only being able to rescue a few of his daughter's possessions, but the 15-year-old said she is thankful to have her family around her.

"It means the world because you can really see what America stands for, it stands for greatness and freedom," she said.

The Farrells told CBS 2 that they have sold their land and will be moving into a new home in Merrick.

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