What can you say in the echoes of a day like we’ve just seen? The lucky are blessed beyond measure. Others are setting about the grim business of rebuilding their lives or mourning their losses. There’s no sense of solace. Only blistered hands and red-rimmed eyes. In one place things look just as they did a day before. A short distance away it can appear as if a bomb ripped the heart from a community. For many this is a normal Thursday. For some this is the first day of their new, unexpected life. What can you say to that? What do you feel beyond the mystery of chance and the knowledge of your puny, human vulnerability?
Once in a while you are afforded a glimpse at the absolute best humanity has to offer. The outpouring of support, money, material and manpower some of those communities hit by yesterday’s storms are already receiving is remarkable.
Officials are turning volunteers away in some communities until then can bring a little more order from chaos. Boxes can’t be emptied and replaced fast enough. People are aching to help, donate, ship, whatever. Blood drives in some places had to close today because they had too many donors.
The worst can bring out the best. Sometimes that’s what it takes. Today’s dire problems are going to be next week’s heavy burdens, next month’s inconvenience and next year’s worries. Hopefully that kindness and those giving spirits will endure while the storms’ survivors overcome.
