On a Serious Note
Normally, I'm all about humor. In every situation. It's how I cope. But there's nothing funny about Harvey. I find it hard to watch the news or look at the images. It's heartbreaking. I'm writing this from the safety and comfort of my own home. With a/c and electricity. I know exactly how fortunate I am.
In 1993 and 1994, I was part of a group of first responders from Pennsylvania that responded to Illinois and Georgia, respectively. Both areas had been devastated by flood waters. I have not seen such destruction up close since. The town in Illinois looked like a war zone. The streets were piled high with debris. And by debris I mean the destroyed personal items accumulated over a lifetime. Nothing was spared. It's easy to say those are just things. But when you lose all of your things, it's not so easy.
I try to be a glass half full kind of gal. It's hard when things like Harvey happen. But then I think about all the people who have been moved to help those in trouble. Not just the first responders, although they rock! But ordinary people who wanted to help. They came with boats to help rescue. They came with trucks full of water, diapers, and food. Some just brought themselves. Because they wanted, needed, to make a difference. They make America great.
And you can help too. Maybe you can't jump in your car or on a plane and go there. But you can make a difference. Even $1 makes a difference. Please consider donating to one of the charities listed below. I've attached links to make it easy.
American Red Cross: https://www.redcross.org/donate/donation
Greater Houston Community Foundation: https://ghcf.org/hurricane-relief/
DonorsChoose.org: https://www.donorschoose.org/hurricane-Harvey
Catholic Charities: https://catholiccharitiesusa.org/
