A Little Reflection

Unless you've been in a box the past week, you've all seen pictures of the devastation the quake and tsunami caused in Japan. As I sat at the breakfast table this past weekend, I couldn't help but feel a wave of sadness grip my heart. Sad of course for the people living in this region and for anyone experiencing such devastation, but also sad that the world may forget too soon.

I thought back to September 11, 2001, to Katrina, to the earthquake in Haiti and then returned back to present day Japan; all disastrous events with many still living the consequences. Perhaps "forget" is not quite the right word as I doubt that will happen for many of us, but more importantly, it feels as if immediately after these tragedies, we change—only for many around the world watching, it is a short-lived change.

As I thrummed through the web, I sat there thinking of how I could help and stumbled onto a link on the main yahoo page titled: Help Japan. On this site you will find a list of organizations through which you can make donations. I've decided that for now that is what I am going to do. A part of me (a very tiny part) hopes this does help, and a larger part of me feels this is hardly enough. The truth is all the little efforts we make, add up to one big effort and it is the world coming together that makes the difference in time.

Some of us will try to help a little more by flying over to the region and volunteering our hands, tears and smiles of hope. Others will support and lift those hurt, through prayer. The point is just to do something and if that simply means waking up each day to reflect on those who have experienced tragedy, then so be it. Our world is one world and we are all human beings. No one lives in a protective bubble although sometimes we like to think we do. Lastly, in light of Japan and all those going through any type of hardships, remember that life is short and should be appreciated at more than just face value.

Filed under: Toni Kelly, Writer's Life