For all the suffering we have dealt with in this life I
don't believe
that I have ever witnessed such a terrible tragedy of this magnitude
right here in America from nature's fury. We never think
that something
like this will ever happen and then as the reality sets in,
it's obvious to
us that we have no control of our destiny and through no fault of
our
own or others, we cannot control the tides of life.
Since the horrific tragedy of September 11, I didn't think
that
we could ever comprehend such pain and grief once
again.
I know that comparing the two is different but with the
same unspeakable results. Human beings ripped out of life.
Suffering of such magnitude is hard to comprehend.
It is hard to put into words what I felt as I watched
thousands
of people struggle and lose everything in life they owned,
even their family members, in a terrible act of nature.
We are a nation of hope and healing. I know
that
it is said that we "did not" do things with great
speed
but I feel personally, that there are times like
these where
you just don't know where to begin.. It seems as though
we are always blaming someone or something for things
in life like this where we truly have no control. Once the
motion is set I don't think anyone in the world could
criticize
the acts of kindness and compassion that you will witness.
I believe that we turned the corner of this terrible
tragedy with as much speed as we possibly could. It
is
so easy for those who constantly have negative things
to say concerning "what is being done" ~ For those to
say that it was a "racial" issue is so outlandish to me.
In this type of situation there is always someone who
is going to "criticize" ~ it's a part of their repertoire
that
is constant and a means for them to be seen and heard
in a time of terrible tragedy and crisis.
I have seen the faces of heroism, I have seen the
faces of despair and I have seen the faces of the
many who are inherently noble and good people who
have put their life on the line to rescue those who needed
to be rescued and done their level best in this situation.
I offer my deepest condolences to all those families who
are
in such a predicament as this. Seeing the sick and dying
left
on makeshift stretchers, gasping for oxygen and babies
being
born in the most awful conditions. No water, no food, no
help
available is more than anyone can comprehend, but how
can
you be ready for such a catastrophic occurrence in life?
How can
you hold your fate in your hands by riding out storms in
life that
are destined to happen? I pray that somehow we can all come
together to make a difference for those in our Gulf states
who
need help and compassion. My heart and prayers are with
everyone.
Please give as much as you can to help those
affected by
this terrible hurricane the power to see the light of day
again.
Be careful who you choose to give donations to, several
places
are sending e mails asking for money. Do not be fooled by
these
charlatans who use any means to make money on the
heels of
pain of others. Make sure you give to reputable places.
You can find them easily on the internet.
If it is impossible for you to give because of extreme
situations
of your own take heart in knowing that prayers are
special
gifts of "giving" ~ The heart that has compassion is
the greatest
expression of love and caring. It is my privilege to know
you all
and know that you will do all that you can to help in the
relief
of this most catastrophic event that has occurred.
It is indeed my privilege to call you "Friend"
Thank you and God Bless
Francine
