Let's help 'em!

As I spent an eerily long day yesterday, recuperating from the election, taking hubby to have his wisdom teeth removed, playing nurse as much as he would let me, trying to nap and constantly being woken up by either random phone calls or illegally solicitous salespeople, I had a revelation!

Remember I wrote about 'perspective'?

Yesterday was yet another dose. Having to wade through the political nonsense that the world of technology so eagerly provides, consoling friends who were feeling abused by gloaters, trying to find some silver linings among the political and emotional debris, completely confused by the onslaught of attacks on Ann Romney (sorry people, but I just do NOT understand the hatred there), and giving kudos to those gracious few who were, well, gracious . . . I happened to receive two emails.

Talk about perspective . . .

The first was from one of my husband's aunts. She, along with a majority of the Marinello family, reside on Long Island and surrounding areas. Although she still, after more than a week, had not heard from all of the family members, those closest in proximity had suffered either simply property battering or, moreso the case, lost entire first floors of everything they owned. Luckily for them, they pulled together as family and some are actually in the construction field so they've been able to begin the process of clean-up and rebuilding. They are among the lucky! They've had family nearby on which to rely and count on for assistance, shelter, and help. She said the residents have been much more helpful than most groups that should be helping but that they are just now beginning to see traces of those people around. We still await word on the rest of the family.

The second email was from a dear friend of ours who used to live here locally. Her son and mine were buds what seems like eons ago. She was a teacher in Pinellas county and chose to move back to her roots and family in NY. Her disjointed message let me know that her family is safe, although they have lost absolutely everything. Their entire house, all their belongings, their car . . . everything. She and her daughter had to be rescued the night of the storm near midnight, being plucked from nearly five feet of water in their home.

My heart is aching! I would love to donate to the Red Cross, but after Haiti and the millions of dollars that funneled into that area with not much to show for it . . . I am so very hesitant. Instead, I will find local groups who are driving truckloads of donations, or shipping needed items to specific locales in the area up there. I would strongly urge you to do the same. Whatever you are able to give . . . give it.

The country, its political landscape, the mudslinging, crying, whining, gloating, and bickering is truly so very immature and elementary. There are folks who really, really need our help. Let's help 'em!