moved

On the way to the bank yesterday after work, I was sitting at the stoplight at Gravois and South Rock Hill Road, near Seven Holy Founders Grade School. I noticed a couple of young grade school girls with homemade signs, dressed in their plaid uniforms or normal everyday casual wear, and waving little pom poms. "Some kind of cheerleader fund raiser," I thought as the light changed and I turned the corner. As I got up closer to the front of the school, I saw more children--and parents--with signs on the median and lining the sidewalks. Then the small white tent came in to view with a sign on posterboard that read: "Kool 'Aid' for Katrina Victims". That to me was just so incredibly cool, thoughtful, and moving; I couldn't believe it. These were normal, everyday people--including children--who may or may not have any ties to Katrina victims, yet they were pulling together to do what they could to help. Amazing.

This is such a desperate, horribly sad situation, and yet I find myself drawn to the news websites and papers everyday for more information on what is happening. Paralyzing fear must make you do some crazy things, but the looting and ransacking and violence is completely uncalled for and makes a devastating occurrence that much worse. I'm not saying I'm perfect; to be perfectly honest, in the same situation, I would probably join in with the looters. HOWEVER, it would be for means of survival and survival ONLY--food, water, necessities. People stealing TVs and VCRs in the midst of a city which has no electric does not make sense to me. Come on. Really.

I do want to say that my heart goes out to anyone and everyone affected--either directly or indirectly--by this disaster. I can't even begin to put myself in the victims' shoes, or try to imagine the fear, panic, and desperation that they must be feeling right now. So if anyone reading this is as empathetic as I am, do what you can to help: volunteer at a Red Cross location in your community, give blood, or donate your pocket change. Remember, every little bit helps. And wouldn't you want someone to do the same for you if you were in their position?