What is happening to this world? Is it just me or have the rest of you noticed the trend of devastation that has happened world wide for the past few years? I am not sure if it is just that we are more aware of these things or if it really happening on a grander scale? The floods, earthquakes, tsunamis, tornados, hurricanes, horrible wars and the destruction and mayham that is caused by them all.
We sat and watched as tornados went across the states of Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee, Illinois and Minnesota last night. In its wake leaving DEATH and destruction on a scale that I have not seen for some time. There were numerous tornados that touched down, one just 30 miles from my home. None on quite the scale as the one that hit Joplin, Missouri. The hospital was destroyed as well as a large portion of the town of more than 50,000 people. My heart has been sick just thinking of what these people are going through. I have decided to go and see if there is anything that I can do to help. I am only one person, but if I can make life easier, or help even one person throught this devastation, I won't feel so helpless.
I helped one other time when a tornado went through the town I live in. I felt honored to give what I had to offer. I wish it could have been more. I heard this morning that one of our own was already down in the area that was hit the hardest, giving his all as a first responder. I am proud to know him and wish him all the prayers I can muster for a safe and speedy return, way to go Luis. I also know of other nurses that are going, Mandy and Melissa are just a couple. I have sat and watched as people walk aimlessly through the streets, trying to find some semblence of what was. They all have the same look on their faces, one of disbelief and astonishment. How could this have happened? What went wrong, that made the tornado hit this town? Why such a populated area?
Today is a day for searching the soul. Today was a day that made me cry uncontrollably for others. I sat and watched as a man pulled his wet scared little dog out of the rubble that used to be his home. He was still in his pajamas. That sight and others like it, made me ask questions that I have never before asked. Now people may not agree with what I am about to say, but it is what I think. Everyone says there is God, the all knowing and loving. Right now I don't see much that makes me think he is very loving. I will probably burn in the halls of Hell for saying this, but how can anyone make people suffer this way.
The tornado hit a hospital. A Hospital. A place where most people cannot do for themselves. Doctors, nurses and all other staff, were put in harms way not only from the tornado, but also in the fact that they had to evacuate all the people that were still infirmed. That alone could have cost people their lives. I know as a nurse, I will do whatever needs to be done to keep my patients safe. If that means carrying them out on my back, that is what I would do. One of our own(nurses), lost a very young family member this horrible day.
I am having a really hard time understanding what is happening to this world. I do see a lot of people lending a hand to the guy next to them, not caring if white, black, yellow, female, male, child, adult, young, old, straight, gay, rich or poor. Everyone is in the same boat right now and everyone is helping in anyway they can. I am proud of the fact that people, even under these conditions are helping each other. Maybe this is suppose to be part of the grand scheme. A way to get people to work together, to stop all the stupid, petty, nastiness that has taken over our lives. If it is, there has got to be a better way. One that does not cost lives, separate families, and destroy peoples faith.
I have had the honor of going and at least trying to help these people. When I arrived, I could not believe the devastation I saw. Telephone poles snapped like match sticks. Houses and buildings flattened and destroyed. Metal sticking out of still standing trees and buildings, like it had been there for years. The hardest part of seeing all this destruction, was knowing that under some of the buildings there were still people trapped. Some alive, but most probably dead after 3 days. The thought of that sickens me. I did all I could in the short time I got to spend there. When I left the city, I began to cry. I cried uncontrollably for about a half an hour then sobbed for another hour or more while driving back home. People have asked me what I saw and did. I have tried to describe it, but every time I try, I cry. The massive destruction and loss of life is on such a grand scale it is hard to explain what my eyes saw. This is going to stay with me for some time to come.
I am so proud of the way Missouri came out to help their own. We did not sit on our laurels and wait for the government to show up and tell us what to do. There were people from every walk of life that opened their homes, hearts and wallets to help in any way they could. I have never witnessed anything like it. The donations and help that came into the Red Cross, United Way and all other organizations and church groups was truly overwhelming. There were at least 10 people that I know personally, that went to give whatever was needed to help.
I know for me, I have a lot of unanswered questions. It will take me sometime to come to terms with what has happened. I know there has got to be answers for all my questions. Now all I have to do is find them. Until then, my heart is sick and in pain for all those who have gone through this in the past days. You are in my thoughts and in my heart. May the sun shine again on your faces and in your hearts.
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