After Sandy…Humanity and the Kindness of Strangers
Colette O'Neill
There are millions of American people without power.
Candles are now a luxury item.
Temperatures are plummeting.
Whole neighbourhoods are in darkness.
People are in real crisis and all the result of one storm, albeit a “super-storm.”
Many of those trying to make it through to normalcy are describing their situation, and that of others, as being like a “war-zone!”
We are but a few meals away from starvation, when it comes to the havoc being wreaked by Mother Nature.
The media and governments remind us continually that this was just a freak storm, a “once in a 100 years event!”
If that is the case then Ireland has suffered several freak weather events in the recent years…as “freak,” becomes “normal!”
Look back over recent years and recall just how many freak events in weather have taken place…
For several years we have had unusually heavy snow and frost in a land where the Gulf stream assures us mild and temperate weather all the year around.
The Earth is not in a happy state.
There are many ways in which we can help ourselves and the planet we inhabit.
The first one would have to be simply accepting that all is change and adapting to circumstances now beyond our control is the best we can do.
New Yorkers and people living on the East Coast of America are having to do just that.
There are signs of hope and support out there, as people come together and help each other.
NYPD have reported that in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, crime has dropped by 87% against the same time last year.
People are cooking communally and reaching out to others, sharing and caring, with and for each other.
In times of distress and hardship, humanity is rediscovering their immense ability to love…rediscovering community and friendship.
Humanity rediscovers itself in a time of crisis.
We are all one.
Our prayers and blessings are with all those who suffer, whether in war, conflict, climate chaos or bereavement…we are one.
