Regrowth in Morovis

Ileana Cruz grew up in Connecticut and Massachusetts, but she moved here a few years back to go to nursing school and be closer to her mom. When Hurricane Maria hit in September, her concrete home was fine -- if wet. But her neighborhood lost power and water, the wind flattened her backyard banana plants, and rats built a nest in her stove. In March, Cruz’s stepfather -- who was ill before the storm -- died. She considers him one of Maria's victims. Even though Cruz and her fiance like it here, her three children tell her they want to go back to Hartford. And she knows she could earn more money as a nurse on the mainland. While she finishes her studies, her backyard is showing signs of regrowth: nine months after the hurricane, at least one of the banana plants is finally giving fruit.