What Do We Do With The Uncertainty?

The last few weeks have been difficult for the land off of the Atlantic. Hurricanes Irma, Harvey, and Maria destroying lives, land and memories, and the most recent earthquake in Mexico adding to the horrifically rising death toll of this season. It is tough to watch so many suffer. Those of us who are in the ‘eye of the storm’ (pardon the pun) have no control over the weather or what may or many not happen, and those of us who are watching feel helpless. We all have friends, loved ones and friends of loved ones who have been affected by these disasters, and as much as many people have a love/hate relationship with social media, it is the lifeline that we cling to in order to see if the people in our lives are there. Waiting for a post, an update, a word. Waiting to hear that they are okay.

This is not the first time in history that things have felt so uncertain and out of control. Thinking back on history – the last ten, twenty, fifty years – there really isn’t a period of time that wasn’t without its pain and hurdles. And my guess is that each and every year of history, people were asking, “Why now? Why us?” I truly wish that we had the answers to those questions.

When disasters happen, there are no words to comfort us, and I’m not sure there really should be. They are awful times. They are painful and scary and uncertain. The bright lights come through when you see photos of rescuers saving people or animals. We have a small sense of comfort when we hear that the only person in town who has power is inviting anyone over for dinner and to charge their cell phones. Communities often come together during these times, and we are so much better for it.

So, with this small reflection, I say thank you to all of the people who are making it work and helping others. Thank you to the people who are just hanging in there. Thank you to all the people in history who have come before us and paved the way. My heart hurts for the so many people that are suffering, from these disasters to others in the world. Love, peace, and safety to you and all of your loved ones in this time.

*Note – if you want to donate money, food or time, please do a Google search to find the many relevant programs or visit the Red Cross.