We Need Each Other
Dear friends around the world, I write this in early September, shortly after the danger of my home being hit by a Category 5 hurricane has passed. Those of us living in the storm’s potential path who were spared exhale a huge sigh of relief. With a heavy heart, though, we are aware that many are coping with the aftermath of a horrendous storm. What is on my mind right now is the power of friendship and the grace of good neighbors. Living in south Florida, our neighbors are various Caribbean islands, which include the Bahamas. Those who were trapped in a powerful, stationary storm experienced a nightmare as Hurricane Dorian pounded their islands. We have seen the photos of the devastation. The first hurricane I lived through also remained inert for hours and hours, so I can imagine the special trauma it was for those in the Bahamas.
Even if you live nowhere near the Bahamas, I invite you to think about how you might contribute to the relief efforts to assist those who have lost everything. You probably know of charitable organizations you trust, so permit me to encourage you to contact a reliable aid agency and see if you can donate goods or money. Most religious groups have a dedicated charitable branch that reaches out to victims in times of need. The cruise line that I frequently sail on sent out an email last night, pledging a substantial amount of money for hurricane relief and asking their customers to contribute through that venue. Ships will soon take supplies to the islands.
At the local level, I am thankful for good neighbors. My house has fixed accordion hurricane shutters, but some are easier to slide together than others, so I always have to ask for help. What a gift to be able to ask a neighbor for assistance and not feel as though I am imposing! Similarly, there are people who call on me. In addition to doing hurricane-shutter duty with a neighbor, I was happy to offer shelter to a friend and her dog. Friend, her dog, plus the puppy that I am dog-sitting, the three foster kittens, and I rode out the fear of a storm hitting us, but we were mercifully reprieved. Here is a photo of the two dogs looking out the window by my front door as soon as I was safely able to pull back the shutters.
The recent days, along with past encounters with hurricanes and other natural disasters, invite me to reflect on the importance of neighbors.
Bottom line: we all need each other.
