I’ve started a few drafts this weekend — about divorce, dating, you name it — but I’m not feeling the urge to finish any of them. Not yet.
Single mom Amy Anderson — a comedian based in Los Angeles — says it well at LA Mom Blog when she writes that the Haiti quake “made me realize that it IS important.”
She has vowed to get prepared for any possible future emergency by, say, having a supply of clean water at hand. “I’m not an alarmist,” she writes, “but I am a realist. A procrastinating one, but a realist, nonetheless.”
Many of us, as single parents, have needed to lean on someone else at one time or another. Perhaps there’s a lesson here. If you know someone who needs help right now, and you’re in a place to give an extra hand, please do.
On that note, author Jeremy Rifkin points out in his post, “What The Haitian Crisis Tells Us About Human Nature,” that this crisis has created “a global empathic embrace to its neighbors in this small Caribbean nation.”
“Frantic tweets and videos have been seeping out of Haiti, pleading for help from the rest of the human race in the aftermath of a devastating earthquake that leveled one of the poorest countries on the planet, spreading destruction and death…For these brief moments of time, we leave behind the many differences that divide us to act as a species.”
Here’s to embracing your neighbor, whether he/she is across the ocean or across the street. Hence my brief lapse at my laptop this weekend, which surely you get.
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I’ve been thinking much the same things as you’ve written. But, also I’ve been VERY PROUD to be an American, something that hasn’t been promoted much lately in D.C. or on foreign visits by our President. Throughout my lifetime, and with World Wars I and II, America has rescued the world. Granted, we’ve made mistakes along the way – no country or person is perfect. But, look at Haiti and who is leading the rescue efforts! Our military – even our past Presidents, together with Obama, working together and really being transparent and non-partisan when a tragedy like this occurs! Where are those countries that constantly demean and criticize us? In the Middle East, Saudi Arabia at last look had contributed $0.00 while Israel sent 50 doctors and countless medical equipment. China, India, South or North Korea. Hello? So, I’m hugging my kids, thanking G*d for our good fortune, and wishing the best for all those hurt and damaged human beings in Haiti. Don’t forget who is doing the most, leading the most, to help them recover. Thanks for this blogs. Sorry for the rant.
Rant away @Bruce. You know that I value your thoughts greatly. Thank you.
This is when we can view the Haiti crisis differently. This is our opportunity to see that we CAN work together towards a common goal of goodness. Why does it take devastation before we think of that?
You may say I’m a dreamer… but I’m not the only one…
T´s last blog ..Out of air
Hey T!
I agree, we get caught up so deeply in our own drama that we don’t see what is outside of us. I have to slap myself from time to time to reach out to others. Had an opportunity recently with a bicyclist with a flat tire. I almost passed him because I was, “in a hurry.” He became a friend and I really would have missed out, by not reaching out.
Mike Masters´s last blog ..Please help me, How do I fall out of love with her?
There’s nothing like a natural disaster to put my life, which is sometimes also a disaster, into perspective. It’s good to look past my pain to focus on reaching out to others. Humbles me to admit that I needed that kick though…
Nicki´s last blog ..I’ve found my happy thoughts…
You know, I wish it wasn’t something like a disaster — whether global or personal — to smack us across the face and remind us, “Hey, being loving and generous and compassionate is more important!”
I can’t even imagine what the Haitians are going through, but I do know this; the only thing that’s going to get this world in better shape is if we start caring more and reaching out.
That, and more sex, of course …
Kat Wilder´s last blog ..Going out of town is risky business
I love this: “Here’s to embracing your neighbor, whether he/she is across the ocean or across the street.” Being from another country myself where my parents lost their business in a hurricane, the disaster in Haiti is near and dear to my heart. One of my closest friends is of Haitian descent and even though her family is all safe, her efforts over the last several days have been tireless. I wholeheartedly agree that as a nation we must put our differences aside, end racism, and come together, and not only in times of crisis!
It is great that countries are helping Haiti, but what happens once the spotlight stops shining on it. They have a long road ahead of them and I wonder how much help they receive.
On a side note, if you don’t have an emergency kit in your home and your car you’re making a mistake. It is like having home or auto insurance, something you do just in case.
Jack´s last blog ..These Pictures of You