Life returns to normal, sort of
Sep 6th, 2005 by Accidental Thinker
What a week. My attention was seriously diverted by Hurricane Katrina last week. I, like so many others, have been glued to the TV. We felt the effects here last year of three hurricanes—Charley, Frances, and Jeanne. Charley was the most damaging locally, though Jeanne was the one responsible for our new roof. But what we got was nothing, NOTHING compared to what Katrina has wrought throughout the entire Gulf coast. At the height of the chaos, 80% of New Orleans was under water, 80% of Mississippi without power, and untold lives, homes, businesses, and jobs wiped out. Many of the stories in the media are truly heartbreaking. It’s a tragedy on a scale that I hope never to see repeated in my lifetime.
There is a lot of blame and finger pointing going on in the media regarding the situation in New Orleans, especially, about who should have done what, and when. In spite of that, it’s heartwarming to see so many people rising to the occasion and providing whatever help they can to those in need. Recovery will be a long, slow process, and this will be an ongoing story. People’s lives are changed forever, but the good news is that Americans are resilient. I have faith that those who were affected will in time recover and rebuild, or begin to build a new life in a new location. They need our help now to get back on their feet, so that they can help themselves as time moves on.
As for my last musings on this topic before I return to “normal†blogging, I’d like to extend my gratitude to those who are able to contribute not just money, but themselves. Last week I read this excellent tribute to the volunteers who are donating their time and energy to the relief effort. These people go above and beyond. I applaud every single one of them for doing what I have not.
The title of this post applies to me, obviously, and not to those who have been directly impacted by the storm. It will be many months or even years before life returns to something resembling normal for them. For the rest of us, life and daily responsibilities go on even in the face of tragedy. But I will not forget those who need to be remembered. We will continue to watch the still unfolding story and progress of recovery, donate as we can, and pray that those who need it will find the assistance, spirit, and will to regenerate and renew.
Very well said. I’m in complete agreement with you.I’m proud to be an American in these times, because we dig deep when it counts.
One of my fears is that people will forget that orphaned child or ….6 months, 12 months or 18 months from now. Life is frail in first and third world countries.What do you think so many would give to just pet their dog in their living room one more time ???
It is the people who make the difference; not the government 😉
Steel cowboy said it exactly right.
I will just second what Steel said.
It’s amazing how these times bring out both the heros and the villians.
You hear so many stories about people who give their time and resources
in heroic and selfless efforts to save others. Then you turn around and
see some idiot stealing a big screen TV and some guns. (Hey stupid,
you’ve got no electricity and those guys you’re shooting at are TRYING
to help you!!) It’s mind boggling!
You stated it exactly right….I’ll just add my prayer again, God bless America.