During the past 2 weeks there has been so much information in the news regarding Hurricane Katrina.
- News of devastation, of despair, and of death.
- News of help, of heroes, of healing, and of hope.
One of the considerations that has occurred as a result of the disaster is an evaluation of how prepared each of us are in case of an emergency. It is blatantly apparent that for the first few days no assistance will be forthcoming from the government in the United States. It was a time to review my disaster plan and supplies. Since I have lots of camping gear and outdoor stuff, my physical person is probably pretty well cared for in case of disaster.
As I found myself helpless and hopeless to do anything to help others, there was an overwhelming sadness and pain. To cope with the stress and emotions of this disaster, there was an unusual gap that was felt as to what would help heal the sadness. So in an effort to go forward and plan for the heart and soul during a time of emergency, I am now assessing what I need spiritually.
Based on a presumption of a small duffel bag or back pack and limited space in my little car the following questions occur:
- What will I pack in my emergency supplies that will give me solace?
- Are there books that I would pack?
- Have I packed a journal and pens for writing my feelings and track the events that happen around me?
- Are the photos sorted out – if I can only take a few – which will they be?
- Is there a single, small memento that I want with me?
Yet more important than all of these physical items are some emotional connections that I need to be vigilant about.
- Have I called my mom recently and told her I love her?
- Have I talked to my step-daughter, son-in-law, and grandkidlets and said I love you?
- Have I told my husband before we parted each morning that I love him and think about him during the day?
- Have I kept in touch with friends….do they know that I care?
So, as I put together lists and review my physical needs, I also take a vow to remember the emotional needs.
To all who read here and share – know that I care about you and think of you. Blessings and safe journey to all of you. I will meet with you in the forest…or the city…or wherever our journey shall take us.
Cross posted at my personal site http://www.mtncerridwen.blogspot.com/
I’m taking the following….
-Photos of my family – mom, dad, brother, sisters. Husband, kid and grand-kidlets.
-Photo of my husband’s parents…few of them exist.
-A necklace that belong to my mother.
-A journal for writing
-A book on Pagan faith
-The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran
….what are you taking?
for something else as well. The march.
I knew this has been heavy on the minds of my family. They are very supportive. But… Sadly in the wee morning hours today.. DanDan had to sleep with us. She woke Wayne up with her cries. She was having a nightmare.
What of?
George Bush killing her mommy like he has killed so many others.
So today I sit with Mommy Guilt, of course, wondering if I should have cloaked my children in the darkness.. but I think them getting involved has empowered them both in their own ways of course… but my daughter is having nightmares. But nightmares can be eased… the nightmare this country is headed towards needs to be stopped. Even if that means leaving our families behind.
I just didn’t want them to worry so much.
So these next few days… I’m “gearing up” with my kids.
No child should EVER be worried about the safety of their parent simply because they want to voice their concern and outrage. NO CHILD.
Lots of hugs and love as you walk with them in the light Janet!
The darkness is scary…children are afraid of the dark. In the world of politics the more light the better. Danni just needs lots of love and hugs…and reassurances…particularly each day while you are gone.
Maybe an analogy that Mommy is the night light against this bad war…and is going to help others shine the light in the night will help her.
{{{{{Janet and Danni and Wayne and Wesley}}}}}
Group hugs are so nice!
Thanks for crossposting this at ‘Village Blue’ as well, I just read it on your site and hoped you would.
I am ever mindful of saying ‘I love you to family and friends ‘ trying to leave everyone on good terms, start out days with kinds words, etc.
I have in my emergency backpack, a note book, lots of pens, but no special treasures, which now I think I will include.
Books I would take, “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil,” would be one.
I’ve been reading at Village Blue every day…my heart hasn’t been up to commenting.
This week I’ll be going back and commenting on those marvellous diaries that you and shirlstars have written. When I couldn’t find the words to put on paper the two of you did…
Thanks for being there and thanks for sharing Village Blue with all of us.
Labor day weekend I went to San Jose (for many many reasons… needed some healing and school clothes shopping with dear friends) Anyways… my friends had a HUGE pack for their car. It had everything. From tampons to tablets to make water safe. Tools to ..well damn it had everything.
We are making one now, too.
I’ve been through one typhoon, one super typhoon and was evacuated during Mt. St Helens eruption in May.
But the biggest scare was the fire last year that came close to our home and then a week or so later a house fire kitty corner from my own and we were stopped at the bottom of our road and didn’t know which house was burning, nor who had escaped…
But the “fire box” we had made the first night due to the fire… was in the house. I couldn’t get to it, the documents the photos.. the footprints of my babies.. and my animals.
So I have a digital camera that I take photos with and I upload them. That way they’ll be “retrievable” later. Present from my big bro.
We are in “fire season” up here. But earthquakes haven’t any season.
As my husband says, once you think you’re prepared – think again and improve on it. We are doing that. I wish our government had.
All I would want – is to escape with my family and pets. And be able to hopefully help another out.
Spiritually… I’m very angry right now. I can’t help it for now. Typical BTSD. But moving forward does help.
Loving one another and counting one’s blessing (which are all the new friendships) we can move forward.
It will be cozy at my little house but if you ever need to evacuate – come on down to my house. Mr.Cat loves to cook and we both love people….
You might ask the kids to pick one personal item each they would like in the box….