When you feel helpless, how do you help?
I had another message written for today. But it didn't feel right. To be honest, nothing feels okay right now.
So I called one of my best friends, Trish, who lives in a different state. But she lived in Miami, like me, for most of her life. I tried to articulate what I've been feeling the past few days. Relief that we dodged a bullet? Survivor's guilt that our sky is sunny and roof intact? Thankful our Florida community is mobilizing to support our neighbors on the West Coast? All of that and more.
As she often does, Trish heard me with her heart.
"It's a trauma trigger, don't you think?" I paused for a beat and waited for her to continue.
"You know. Those of us who experienced Andrew, Katrina, so many other devastating storms," she said. "It brings it all up."
My brain electrified like the bolts of lightning that lit up my house earlier this week. We talked about first responders and people vacationing here who chose not to leave. Hurricanes wreak havoc on natives; visitors and new residents must be downright terrified.
This prompted an even deeper discussion about how catastrophic events can set off a storm within our own hearts. Structural damage is devastating, which can hopefully be repaired over time. What about intense emotions and old wounds that are ripped open without warning? How do you focus on survival, self-care, showing up for others, and processing it all? One day, one minute, one moment at a time.
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Thank you to all who’ve texted, called, and reached out. Hurricane Ian instigated tornadoes near our house and strong wind gusts. And while we are grateful that the impact was minimal here in South Florida, I am deeply concerned about the welfare of our neighbors.
I’ve felt helpless--wanting to help in an impactful way. Then I read a message that Shelly Tygielski, fellow author, Floridian, and amazing human being, shared on Facebook and Instagram. (And it is an excellent example of how we can utilize social media for good.)
Here are some suggestions that Shelly shared. I also researched other resources, which are listed below. Please share this with others. The aftermath is often worse than the storm.
Additional ways in which you can support Hurricane Ian relief efforts:
FARM SHARE (Florida's largest independent food bank):
https://www.farmshare.org/
WORLD CENTRAL KITCHEN:
https://wck.org/
AMERICAN RED CROSS:
https://www.redcross.org/
UNITED WAY OF FLORIDA DISASTER RECOVERY FUND:
https://www.uwof.org/