Faces of Long Island celebrates the uniqueness of everyday Long Islanders. In their own words, they tell us about their life experiences, challenges and triumphs. Newsday launched this social media journey into the human experience to shine a light on the diverse people of this wonderful place we call home.

‘There is just something magical about a sunrise and a sunset – they are both a beginning and an end.’

Carle Place

“I was in a bad motorcycle accident and almost lost my right leg on July 31, 2021. I had to go through several surgeries, and I was bedridden at one point for months at a time. I realized that at 50 years old, I hadn’t seen and done a lot of the things that I wanted to see and do. I made a promise to myself that I was going to explore different areas of Long Island.

“It wasn’t until November of 2022, after they took all the metal from the accident out of my leg, that I was able to start walking again without restrictions. In December, I started walking on beaches to rebuild my ankle and leg muscles. It wasn’t the prime time to be on the beach, but I found it was nice because I was pretty much by myself, and I wasn’t holding anyone else up if I had to go at a relatively slow pace.

There is a point in every single one where light touches darkness. They are mentally, physically and spiritually significant.

“I started walking during sunrises because I was up early from the pain, and that eventually turned into doing sunset walks because I found it so fascinating and spectacular. I thought, there have to be people out there in nursing homes or senior centers or the hospital who aren’t able to see these things, and I really have to start sharing these photos. I’m not a photographer, but I’ve become one by hobby. Everyone said when I was posting these pictures, I can’t believe that’s on Long Island. By sharing my photos, I felt like I was like paying it forward because, by the grace of God, I had made it out with both legs.

“I decided to start a Facebook group, Long Island NY Sunrises and Sunsets, in the very beginning of March. People post pictures from all over Long Island, and we’re now close to 1,700 members. Because of my accident, I had to slow down. It made me realize the beauty that is all around us. When we’re in the flow of things, it’s easy to forget that. It’s about sharing what I’m taking in because I don’t own it; it’s something that is all of ours but not everyone has the opportunity to take it in. There is just something magical about a sunrise and a sunset — they are both a beginning and an end. There is a point in every single one where light touches darkness. They are mentally, physically and spiritually significant. They remind me that each day is different, and every moment is temporary.”

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Faces of Long Island is produced by Newsday Consumer Marketing. This content does not involve the reporting and editing staff of Newsday’s Editorial Department.