Fifty inches of rain. Flooding. Thousands evacuated to shelters. More rain to come. These are the facts of Harvey, which still has a tenacious grip on southern Texas, Louisiana and outlying areas.
To get inside the hearts and minds of those caught in Harvey, perhaps nothing compares to paying attention to a normal day in our own lives.
We prepare for work in our undamaged homes. Pick up last-minute groceries. Fill the tanks. Drive on unobstructed roads. Not threatened from above, below or within. It’s just another day.
Transfer this scenario to Texas and Louisiana, where cars and people are swallowed by swirling water. They await rescue, drenched and shaking in fear. Food runs low. Stocks of vital medication drop daily. Even if insurance companies (including Medicare)approve extended coverage in disasters, which is rare, traditional delivery systems are inoperable. Now what?
Loss or the nearness of loss hangs low. What will the next day bring? Will there even be a tomorrow? How long will life in shelters continue? Will I ever have a home again? When will first responders arrive?
The cruel devastation inflicted by Hurricane Katrina, and the many lessons learned in its wake, have resulted in coordinated rescue efforts that are saving thousands of lives and much property.
As we drive, eat, purchase, refill, and sleep soundly in our own beds tonight, we should internalize Harvey and offer support through the many available venues. Maybe, Americans have united — finally.
Copyright © 2017 by the Intermountain Jewish News
