posted
First, its ok to cry. Even if your home took minor damage, others have lost everything. Its your town, your friends, family and neighbors, Of course, everybody is affected. Don't feel guilty about grieving for what's lost or changed forever just because you still have a solid roof over your head. Next, help each other. Just checking on neighbors has helped me. Help them with cleanup, drive them to the feeding stations. Little things mean a lot now. If your electricity is back on, please don't gloat. There are people here who won't have power for at least another week. If your life is getting back to normal, volunteer to help those that aren't as blessed. Understand that your kids are freaked out by this too. My sons have been bickering nonstop for days, but its a major disruption in their routines as well and their coping skills are still young. If you are fortunate enough to be relatively unscathed by this storm, just remember those that weren't so lucky. Donate leftover water, ice, generators, clothes, etc. Remember many have lost their jobs, because the buildings just aren't there anymore. Don't whine and complain about losing the creature comforts and how congested traffic is. Yes there are National Guard, power workers, and other volunteers at every turn, but don't blow off steam at them. They're helping us and many have left their homes and families to help. Give them a wave, tell them thank you. They will appreciate it more than you know. To all my fellow east coasters, I'm thinking of you and remember we'll survive this. The debris can be cleared away, but the emotional scars will run a little deep for some time to come. Take care, Jaxonn (Lisa)
Posts: 55 | Registered: May 2003
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posted
::nods:: Wise advice. Another idea, though: For those of you who passed through the storm unscathed, go and volunteer at the Red Cross. Just having someone friendly to talk to after going through such an ordeal can be helpful to someone; or playing with kids, just to make them laugh again can be helpful.
You'll get through it, I promise. Trust me, as someone who lives on the Gulf Coast, I know. Good luck on the clean-up!
Posts: 873 | Registered: Apr 2003
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The Red Cross has to turn away most volunteers: there really ain't no time for on-the-job training during a disaster. If you want to help, take a (or several) local Red Cross Disaster Training course before there is a disaster in your area.
Posts: 8501 | Registered: Jul 2001
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You'll get through it, I promise. Trust me, as someone who lives on the Gulf Coast, I know. ![[Group Hug]](graemlins/grouphug.gif)
Good luck on the clean-up!
