Day 4 - 262 -- Disasters

Listening to the news over the past several days has seemed rather surreal. So many natural disasters following one another -- and not just the shear number of events, but that singular areas have seen one after the other visit terror and destruction. Major hurricanes have been lining up off the coast of Africa only to mature and grow in strength and size in the western Atlantic. The leeward islands of the northeastern Caribbean have been pummeled repeatedly, with Barbuda fully evacuated after the first major storm -- an uninhabited island now. Highly populated areas of the US have taken direct hits from two major storms. Five storms of note in the past couple of weeks is staggering -- difficult for me to get my head around, which is nothing compared to those dealing with the aftermath of one when the next one arrives. Other tropical cyclones have been forming in the Pacific Ocean near western Mexico. On top of this and an Atlantic hurricane, Mexico has had two earthquakes, with the most recent being close to Mexico City, thus affecting many urban as well as rural residents.

News reports, while truly overwhelming, bring concern for those in the midst of these disasters. So many losses. I wonder how people find the resolve to move forward. Adrenaline takes over and pushes people forward to deal with the immediate dangers and survival. Anxiety over potential losses when evacuated away from home must be huge. After the initial urgency, fatigue must set in, yet anxiety interferes with sleep or rest. Learning to deal with a new normal in the interim between leaving and getting back home -- if possible -- must be a huge challenge. For those outside the disaster zones, the desire to assist can be strong, yet donating 'stuff' isn't always what is needed. Even small monetary donations to major relief organizations can help. 

I'll admit that I feel hesitant to hear what the news brings to me each morning and evening. I fear I'm not strong enough some days. That said, my wishes for strength and hope for those in the midst of the melee never wanes. Lyrics of one song seemed best to explain the feelings. It is by a rock icon and has an uplifting spirit to it. Enjoy! 

Hope of Deliverance -- Paul McCartney