It seems as if America is experiencing many trials and tribulations lately with all the storms, wildfires, and their aftermaths. After going through a bout of writer’s block, I feel a need to focus on community.
In observing the aftermath of the disasters, I see people coming together, reaching out, and helping one another. This not only happens from within the particular state the disaster has struck, but I’m seeing multitudes of people come together from other states to pitch in and help. This is the way community should always be, not only during a disaster.
It is truly heartbreaking to see people lose everything; and it’s much more heartbreaking to see the many lives lost in these disasters. Rightfully, we as humans should have a deep compassion one for another to reach out and help anyone in need. We, who are fortunate enough to have never lost all, should be thankful; although sometimes it takes losing all to realize what is truly important in life.
Like many, I have friends and family that were in the direct path of one of these disasters. I can’t help but reflect on the unfolding events from September 11, 2001, in which we recently remembered all who lost their lives. The morning it all happened was a true nightmare to America.
It hit home for me, as we nervously waited to hear from my cousin George. He lived in New York City and worked in the World Trade Center. Tears come to my eyes as I write. We watched as the planes hit and the buildings collapsed; we continued to wait. I’ll never forget the phone call when we heard my cousin barely made it out before the building collapsed. We were very grateful and relieved to hear he was okay, but at the same time, our hearts grieved for all those who were not as fortunate to make it out alive.
Let us put aside business and always remember to connect with family, spend time with friends, and help those who are less fortunate. We should always try and get community back to the way it should be. None of us know when we will be faced with some sort of disaster, but we do know we will need one another.
We should, “do unto others as we would have them do unto us.” Opportunity is right around the corner; I encourage you not to wait for a disaster to strike, but make today the day you start reaching out to others and begin to grow a loving community.
