“Kindness is just love with its work boots on” – Author Unknown ….
There are so many horrific stories in the news of late: Mass shootings, bombings, robberies, natural disasters, and political rhetoric that is designed to appeal to the lowest common denominator in humanity. It all contributes to increased stress levels.
In my community of Fort McMurray, Alberta many residents continue to struggle with the frustration of dealing with insurance claims and attempting to rebuild their lives. It is a place where people struggle to get back to normal, but the benchmark of “normal” has been drastically changed. For many home is no longer home but a dwelling with four empty walls. It does not feel like home because all the little things that make a place home have been reduced to ash and many of the comforts once enjoyed are not to be had.
I cannot imagine the levels of frustration and stress so many are dealing with, yet for all intents and purposes Fort McMurray’s wildfire is yesterday’s news. There are new horrors to grace the front pages of newspapers and grip public imagination.
However, there are real people behind each newest drama. Real hurt and pain behind the blood and gore. Yesterday, at the library where I work, I greeted a young man and he seemed surprised. “Do you remember me?” he asked. I smiled and answered ‘yes’. I think that is the question on many residents’ minds as they deal with the fallout from the wildfires. Do people remember? The after effects of the wildfire are being deeply felt, and for many, will continue to be for months and years to come.
Kindness and compassion, the hallmarks of Canadians’ initial response are still needed. And not just for the people of Fort McMurray but for every citizen of every town or city visited by violent upheaval – whether man made or otherwise. Kindness and compassion are always needed.
chopkins2x3 
Reblogged this on Be Like Water.
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Thank you so much!
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One of my life’s mentors always says, “Where there are tragedies, look for the helpers.” (His father was a professor at the University of Missouri–where the Journalist’s creed, still in use, was first written by Walter Williams in 1914.) ❤
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Thanks for your comment and this is very true. After the wildfires that swept through Fort McMurray where I live I was truly touched by the response. People are so good, they really are. It was quite an experience and reaffirmed my belief in the inherent goodness of humanity.
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Kindness and help do seem to be in short supply where I live. Even the professional carers and helpers seem hardened by their experiences. But what I am sure of is that help can appear as if from nowhere and from the most unlikely sources. I’ve witnessed it before and this is what keeps me both hopeful and positive for the future. All the very best. Graham
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I hear you. Sometimes though it is the carers themselves that need care. After all one cannot give water from an empty well. Help does come when it is least expected and from wonderfully unexpected places. I, too, have experienced this. Thank you for your comment and encouragement. I think the world needs more positive people like you. All the best to you as well. Carol
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Its like you learn my thoughts! You seem to grasp a lot about this, like you wrote the e-book in it or something.
I think that you simply can do with some
% to power the message house a bit, but other than that, this is wonderful blog.
A great read. I’ll definitely be back.
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Thank you for your comments, I truly appreciate your feedback and your support. There is always so much suffering n the world, but also great human kindness. I think people are wonderful, despite everything.
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