Growing up in Nigeria, one thing that always bothered us was the fact that we, an oil producing nation, were regularly short of gas. Many people are complaining bitterly about having to line up and wait for gas, but in Nigeria, this was regular. When there was gas available, we would stock up in barrels at home, ready for the next shortage. When there was a shortage, we would line up, fill up the car, come home and siphon it out for use for our generator or what ever else, and then go get back on the line.
Seeing the lines now, makes me think of those times. The only difference is that these lines are a lot more orderly.
But essentially, I am seeing again how easy we really have it here in America. So easy that when a natural disaster like Hurricane Sandy happens, taking lives and gazillions in material possessions, there are actually people standing around complaining about waiting for gas. Are you serious???
Please let us put things in perspective!
Before this Hurricane, the name "Sandy" brought to mind a jovial boss and this love song from Grease by a very young and delectable John Travolta. But as Hurricane Sandy tore through the homes and lives of millions on the East Coast, new and disturbing images come to mind with the mention of her name.
Having lived through a much milder Hurricane Irene just last year, I must confess I underestimated Sandy. But she literally took the world by storm. Not since 9/11 have I seen lower Manhattan so devastated. Not since 9/11 have I been stuck in one borough. With no trains running between Brooklyn and Manhattan, getting to work and school next week will still be a big hurdle. But it is such a minor hurdle when I think of all the people who have suffered such great loss.
I watch the news and I am moved to tears. Tears of sadness for those that have lost lives or all their earthly possessions. Tears of deep joy at the goodness of people as they go out of their way to help others. Businesses doing the same. Gyms and Health clubs letting people in to take showers, Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts turning no one away as the line goes round the block of people just wanting to brush their teeth and charge their phones. Victoria's Secret had rented a generator to use for their upcoming show, they gave it to the National Guard to use so they could stock up food and water for thousands of people who could not even leave their homes to get food, water or help.
And tears at the feeling of helplessness....again! After 9/11, I so wanted to help. I went downtown to volunteer but was turned away...they wanted only medical personnel at the time. I went to donate blood, but was turned away. They needed a different blood type, they'd had too many people that day etc etc
I felt helpless.
Now again, I sit in my comfy home which suffered but a piece of broken fence hugging my two children and I see all the devastation on TV. And I feel selfish, helpless and useless.
I have reached out to people, offered what I can, but it feels so little. And it makes me so sad.
When I first wanted to study medicine, it was always my dream to work with the Red Cross or Doctors without Borders, but life took a different turn.
Yet every time a disaster happens, I just want to be there. I don't want to help from afar...I want to BE there..in the nitty gritty of it. I want to HELP. I want to HEAL.
It is clear that I have taken a wrong turn in life. I think it is clear what my calling was.
I am not sure if I can turn things around, but I am going to try. Of course it is not possible for me to leave my little ones now and run into danger to help out, but I AM going to raise them being aware of a world that needs their help. We will volunteer as a family so that they will understand how important giving and helping is. And for myself, as the kids get older and able to care for themselves, when disaster strikes, I WILL go and volunteer in some way or form. I might take some nursing course or something...I don't know. but sitting back and watching is just not feeling right to me.
None the less, for now, I will also help by giving a donation to the American Red Cross. They have been on the ground since the storm helping in every way possible.
I encourage you to do the same. :-)
