The Perfect Storm-Hurricane "Sandy"
October 29th 2012
A Commentary by Don DeForge, VMD
DeForge Special Edition-DeForge Reports 03Nov2012
“There are momentswhen you have to just walk away and cry.” | |||
Hurricane "Sandy" passed six days ago. The suffering in the aftermath is here and is real. Homes have been washed away; gas fires have torched others homes; many live without electricity, heat, food, water, and shelter. The subways in NY were flooded; bridges and tunnels were closed preventing entrance or exit from NYC. Staten Island's shore community; New Jersey's shore; Long Island's shores; Connecticut's shore; and so many other eastern seaboard state's shorelines have been reduced to rubble. In the midst of this, the New York City Marathon was being scheduled. Port-a-Toilets, bottled water, and generators were lined up on the NYC route. Hundreds of New York police were assigned to the race. Finally, after a public outcry this race was canceled by the Mayor of NYC. After 9-11, communities temporarily stopped activity, individuals reflected, and strangers actually talked to each other. What I call the "faceless society" became the "compassionate society". People said good morning and asked each other how they were doing. The same is happening in the "dark" communities that have been leveled by the Perfect Storm-"Sandy". My prayers go out today to all who are suffering and to the families of those who have lost loved ones. My praise goes out to all of the "first responders" who put their lives at risk to help those who refused to evacuate or were found in harm's way because of the severity of this hurricane. A special thank you to all of the utility workers from local companies and those others who have traveled great distances to help restore power to our homes. Whenever we are without power, there is a lack of sleep, a lack of food, and great anxiety. Some of our citizenry took this out on the utility workers. It is not the fault of the utility workers. We must take a deep breath and stop abusing these individuals, with word and action, and realize their job carries with it a significant risk to their own lives. The American Red Cross has been here to help the afflicted from the beginning. "Financial donations help the Red Cross provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance to those affected by disasters like Hurricane Sandy, as well as countless crises at home and around the world." Please go to www.RedCross.org and make a donation today. If each individual sent $10.00 to the American Red Cross -["Sandy" Hurricane Disaster Relief] many more could be helped with shelter and meals. It is so easy to say: let someone else do it. If you cannot afford the donation and live in a location where help is needed make a promise to volunteer to help today. I ask the veterinary community and all veterinary technicians, assistants, and para-veterinary workers to make this a personal effort. We were there for 9-11; we must also be there for the rebuilding and care of the suffering after "Sandy's" wrath has passed. A special friend once said: "Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a simple smile, a kind word; a listening ear; a complement, or the smallest act of caring. All of these have the potential to turn a life around." Dr. Leo Buscaglia Begin today helping to turn the lives of the victims of "Sandy" around with a simple act of kindness and love. Don DeForge, VMD Special Edition-DeForge Reports 03November2012 |
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