September 14, 2019
Last week most of us were mesmerized by the possibility of suffering the ravages of Hurricane Dorian. The generated anxiety was so great that my daughter and I cut short our vacation to return to Florida to protect our homes. Twelve hours on a plane can be very demanding but we were able to sleep through most of it. Fortunately, South Florida was spared but not the Bahamas. Most of us living here have been to the Bahamas a number of times. Albeit, on cruises or quick vacations, there does seem to be a special connection between that country and Florida. We have always found our trips there to be enjoyable and relaxing.
True to form, when there are catastrophes, the goodness in most of us springs into action to help those who have suffered. It was heartwarming to see the many, many people and organizations who have sprung into action to help those in need. Some didn’t even wait for the government to develop rescue plans. Using their own boats and planes, they organized relief efforts in their communities and brought help to those before the established organizations even got off the ground. Mind you, these are strangers helping strangers. This is the true human condition. Relief efforts continue and will continue for a long time as the devastation goes beyond words. If you have not yet given or helped out, I urge you to go to the local store and buy some canned food, paper goods, toiletries, or clothing and bring them to a local drop off point for shipment to the Bahamas.
Why does it take catastrophes for us to put aside our differences to care for the needy, the less fortunate, the victims? Why do we allow ourselves to get caught up with the politicians, celebrities, sports figures and others who tear us down and find fault with who we are?
Imagine what we could accomplish if we regularly functioned together as a nation like we did after the hurricanes, the destruction of the World Trade Center, the mass shootings etc. We have it within us.
Our nation is made up of people with compassion, morality, and generosity. Let’s live it not only in times of catastrophe but all the time.
