Wednesday, January 20, 2010

I wish I was a master of photoshop... (PKW)

And I will tell you why but first I want to warn you that this might need a Possible Kleenex Warning (PKW) because this post is serious.

You might not know this about me but I write every single day. Much of what I write is about deep and painful subjects related to introspective things I don’t really share here . I choose not to share those things because we all have problems. Problems with illness, family, hurt, pain, and loss and I generally want to make myself, and hopefully you, laugh so you can forget all those things if just for a few moments. And even if you don’t laugh I hope I confuse you enough that you can escape from whatever it is pulling you down for a brief minute.

Since mid-August I decided I would write in this blog every single day and except for the rare times when I republish old stories I truly write what comes out of my head. I don’t sit and think…the words just pour out…and then I polish them up a bit and put them here for your consumption.

And I can never, ever write what I don’t feel. It’s strange but I can’t force words to come out of my fingers …and sometimes, honestly, the words don’t go in the direction I think they will. They ramble and weave and go elsewhere and such is the case today.

I sat down truly intending to write some light hearted instructions for Alphabe-Thursday, but I can’t.

The words won’t come. Because what I want to write about is serious. And I suspect not very popular. And I suspect it might even anger some of you.

But I have been thinking and now I have to be true to myself and I need to write what is in my heart…which is sadness and even a little bit of shame. And so I will write this and gather my courage to hit the “publish” button.

And what I truly want to say today is this...

Most of you are probably too young to know this story but in 1938 Orson Welles did a radio adaptation of the H.G. Wells novel, The War of the Worlds. Before media bombarded us with instant news all the time, people listened to their radios and read the newspaper and those were the links they held to the world outside of their own immediate community.

In 1938, though, the sturdy and boxy radios in peoples homes didn’t broadcast the serial stories that kept Americans entranced and entertained. What they heard coming from the tinny speakers was a tale of aliens invading New Jersey…and people reacted with horror and fear and became obsessed with this terrifying possibility.

Times have changed.

Trying to convince someone that aliens were invading would be difficult now. We have access to everything…instantly…u-tube, radio, news, internet. And although we are hoaxed sometimes with fake stories and fake pictures for the most part we believe what we can see. But lately it is what we don’t see that has made me think a little too much.

And that is why I wish I was a master of photoshop.

My purpose would not be to scare people with the fears of 1938 but to perhaps open some eyes, including my own.

I would travel this great country of ours and I would photograph the families I see living from cars or cardboard boxes and trying to survive. I would photograph people who have no idea where and how to get help finding food and medical or mental health assistance. I would photograph people gravely ill from drinking contaminated water. I would come to your city and photograph the people lined up for the soup kitchen to have their only meal of the day. I would go to downtown Phoenix and photograph the addicts huddled in their misery having forgotten the potential of hope or the runaways living under the bridges. With teary eyes my quest would continue and I would photograph the fragile elderly literally counting their pennies trying to decide between purchasing medicine or food. I would photograph children curled up under rags in restless sleep dreaming not of new toys but of simply having enough food so their stomachs didn’t ache.

And I would weep.

And when I was done weeping I would somehow magically photoshop all this together into a collage of sadness...all the faces...all the pain...all the worry over trying to provide or find simple things like food and warmth and clothes and medical care.

And I would take this magical photoshopped collage and I would post pictures everywhere and I would say "these people are suffering from massive destruction the likes of which has never been seen before. There has been an earthquake that has rocked the very foundation of our country !”

And everywhere, all over the world people would be horrified and would cry great tears of sorrow and outrage that not enough was being done. And they would help.

Because that’s what people do. They help when they can. They help when they see the pictures and hear the stories. They help when they watch the news with horrified faces, perhaps shedding tears that there could be so much suffering…and oh, oh, oh, all those poor children.

And they would gather their prayers and their purses and send their spare change away. They would auction items to raise money and they would forego their lattes for a few days to donate a little bit more and they would all gather in a spirit of community to help.

And some of the suffering would be eased. Some of the pain would be abated. And some of the children would have a safe place to sleep and the people would have clean water to drink and for a time people would find some relief from their suffering.

My heart truly hurts for the people of Haiti.

But my heart also hurts deeply for the people right here that need this same level of assistance and this same level of compassion.

I have too often seen and heard the attitude that “people need to help themselves” and I believe this to be true. You can’t help someone who doesn’t want help. It just doesn’t work. But if the help needed does not come from a catostrophe of epic weather or war, sometimes we might forget to recognize that “helping themselves” might be something beyond their reach. And their ability to reach for help might be compromised by circumstances we don’t know and can’t imagine or understand.

Because how can people help themselves when they are cold and they are hungry and their every waking moment is consumed with trying to protect their children or balance their meager budget to purchase medicine?

And there’s so much this. An unimaginable amount of it. Right here. In our own cities and neighborhoods.

But perhaps the magical photoshopped collage could show a depth and scope of human suffering that might leave us speechless. And shocked. And in tears.

And everywhere, all over the world, people would be horrified and would cry great tears of sorrow and outrage that not enough was being done to help. And they would help.

Because that’s what people do. They help when they can. They help when they see the pictures and hear the stories. They help when they watch the news with horrified faces, perhaps shedding tears that there could be so much suffering…and oh, oh, oh, all those poor children.

But because our problems here at home aren’t as sensational and aren’t as dramatic and aren’t as huge as what we are watching in Haiti we forgot. I forget. And that is part of the shame I mentioned earlier.

I forget to help wonderful bloggers like Julie who try to make someone warmer…one blanket, one cozy hat at a time. People like Julie can help and do help and will help…they just sometimes need the small amount of help I can give personally. And I forget that. I hop on the bandwagon of public outrage and rush to help elsewhere. And helping is always a good thing. It’s just sometimes I forget it when I’m not being bombarded with mass-in-your-face-requests to do good in small ways here. The small amount I sent to Julie gave her enough to make a blanket. One blanket. And it warms me to think that some cold person might feel cozy for a moment because of that.

But sometimes I forget because I'm not seeing those photos of suffering on every media I follow.

I forget to be vocal about changes that need to be made.

Because I am just one voice and one voice can rarely be heard.

Which is why I wish I was a master of photoshop. Because a picture is worth a thousand times a thousand words.

And if we all gathered to look at the photoshopped collage of pain we would cry great tears and say “something must be done!”

And we’d do it.

Because it would be everywhere we turned so our intentions would not fall by the wayside in our busy lives.

Julie. I am humbled by your efforts and for your ability to remind me of this important fact.

Help begins at home.

And I am proud that perhaps with our combined efforts there will be one less photo on my imaginary photoshopped collage of suffering.

Thank you.

49 comments:

Julie Kwiatkowski Schuler said...

Oh my goodness! Thank you for your kind words. Gosh! I just like knitting that's all.

I know what you mean about the sadness. It seems like if you only told enough people and showed them the pictures of what things were really like, they would help. But sometimes I'm afraid I'm just bumming everyone out.

I think we are getting to the point where lots of people would agree- wealth is wasted on the rich!

MrsJenB said...

Jenny!!

I have been thinking in a very similar vein this past week. So has my husband. I wish I were as eloquent as you and could put the words down the way you have. In fact, I admit, I haven't had the courage and have been afraid to make it sound as though I don't care about Haiti.

Of course I do.

But I also care about the many, many people who go to work every day and yet still can't afford to feed their families. The ones who have lost their jobs and their savings in the midst of our economic crisis and have been forced to live out of their cars or on the street or in shelters. And on and on. What about our country? - that's what I keep asking myself.

THANK YOU for posting a link to Julie's blog - as a crocheter with a ton of yarn laying around, I know I can help warm up America too! THANK YOU!!!!! You have made my day!

And now I'm crying. Kleenex, please??

Viki said...

This is such a great post, Jenny. I too feel for the people around the world but like you, I sometimes think people don't realize that there are people desperate for help in our own country. Sometimes it's good to blog about something like this, it will get people thinking.

Theresa said...

Great thoughts and yes there are needs that are not met all over! I feel for the people in Haiti and also for local people. I help my family a lot, some out of work and can't seem to make ends meet. On our local news today, they did a story about an Atlanta woman and her daughter who make quilts for soldiers and other people who are cold. I mean full-time...an angel for sure. Just sewing her little heart out. I can do more for people here in this great Country. Thanks for pouring your heart out and having what it took to hit publish:) Hugs from Georgia!

Unknown said...

Jenny, This is so true. The same thoughts have crossed my mind over the last week. These days we seem to 'live in the moment' too much and not only do we forget about what is happening in our backyards but we also forget about what happened six months ago, a year ago, or five years ago. We must look for ways to help every day, the little things we do, while they might seem trivial in the moment, can have a large collective impact. Every action creates a reaction and while we may not know the final impact, we must remember that there is one. Sometimes the only thing needed to get the ball rolling is a smile or a kind word...it can lead anywhere.

~Andrea~

Kim said...

it is true you are only one voice- but one voice speaking out can reach hundreds and if even one person is moved by your post and does something today to help someone else out- well then your post has worked. Wonderful post- although I do need tissues now. Keeping posts happy makes lots of friends, but an occasional serious post makes those friends stop and think--I love people that make me stop and think :)

Bumpkin on a Swing said...

Jenny,
The best blog post that I have ever read.
Absolutely Amazing, and so right on sister!

I AM NOW STANDING AT MY DESK DURING LUNCH APPLAUDING YOU IN STANDING OVATION STYLE! THIS DESERVES IT!

Kimi said...

Jenny... you continue to amaze and inspire me!!!!!

Wanda..... said...

Loved your post Jenny! Many have these same thoughts and wonder why it is so difficult to make things different. Is it the "red tape" that makes it impossible to make any meaningful long lasting change...A food pantry is just up the road from us...I have seen such an increase of patrons there, makes me so aware that...donations help, but more than that is needed to make a change.

Linda @ A La Carte said...

Jenny, Thank you, thank you, thank you for posting this! I also have been feeling a lot of pain for the people of Haiti but my goodness we have homeless, hungry, thirsty and hurt people all over our country! I don't want to take away from the tragedy that is Haiti but Sunday watching the Golden Globe awards I was sorta thinking, hey you on TV people do you help here at home? I do what I can and I know it's not enough, but my daughter worked with a family this year who are cold and hungry and needed clothes and blankets and help. So yes Jenny Thank you from the bottom of my heart for saying what many of us think but don't voice! Now let me get to Julie's site and see what I can do here!
You are very special my friend!

RNSANE said...

Jenny, all is so true. In my own blog, Carmen's Chronicles, I wrote a poem about Haiti yesterday -
http://rnsane.blogspot.com/2010/01/chaos.html#links - as, of course, right now, the whole world is focused there, on this country of such devastation that, even before this calamity was one of the poorest nations on this earth.

You are right, though, there is so much poverty and homelessness right in this own country. I have been an RN for nearly 45 years. I went to nursing school in New Orleans, a city of much poverty as well. Almost a year ago I visited there, the first time since Katrina - I was overwhelmed to see so much of this American city still in ruins, houses boarded up, a wasteland in America, people displaced, a huge hospital ( where I trained ) that used to serve the indigent poor, no longer functional.

I did another blog recently, about homelessness in the United States -
http://rnsane.blogspot.com/2009/12/homeless.html#links. I was horrified to learn that my own city - SAN FRANCISCO - has the highest per capita rate of homelessness -- nearly 1 for every 100 residents -- of any major U.S. city. The National Alliance for Homelessness announced, earlier this year, that, because of the

recession, there will be an estimated 1.5 million people made homeless during the next two

years. To me, those are terrifying numbers. We are not talking about the chronic homeless - those who suffer with mental health issues or addiction and have been on the streets for a year - but I am talking about the "new" homeless, educated people who lost their jobs because of the recession - families with children.

See my blog for more information on that.

Compassion should begin with our own - then we can reach other more readily to care for others.

I do think you're right, if people were just more aware, they would reach deeper and share what they have with people who are suffering in our own country. Basic services to the poor and elderly are being cut - I lost my forensic nursing position of 21 years in massive budget cuts the mayor made to the Dept of Public Health - some $80 million with an income loss of nearly $90,000/year...at 64-years of age, I am fearful that I, could easily join the ranks of those living in vehicles!

laterg8r said...

i totally agree that charity begins at home and most people forget it (except at christmas)

Taylor Stoddard said...

Wow, everything you wrote about are almost the exact words that my husband and I have been saying to each other in the past week... just put a lot more eloquently! ;)

Thanks for this reminder of what is going on right here at home.

I found you from this blog: http://somanykidssolittletime.blogspot.com/

Unknown said...

beautifully said

Diana said...

Beautiful put Jenny, Amen to that! I agree with every word that you typed.
And I will visit Julie's blog as soon as I leave here. You are a sweet, funny and caring woman Jenny.
Love Di

Kelly@TearingUpHouses said...

Amen, Jenny.

I'm so glad you wrote this. I feel the EXACT SAME WAY.

Kelly

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

Jenny I think a natural disaster the magnitude such as Haiti captures the world's attention. If estimates are true hundreds and thousands of people were killed in an instant. How can we not feel their pain and want to help them? ,

I give every year generously to the American Red Cross as I know they help many both domestically and abroad. In every natural disaster in the USA -- hurricanes, tornadoes floods fires..etc...they are there. I remember their help first hand after 9/11 If you remember after 9/11 the whole world came to our aid.
I also give to the Salvation Army and and Covenant House generously every year --they are charities that help the homeless and drug abusers and alcoholics.
I give generously to Habitat to Humanity which has been so helpful replacing homes destroyed by Katrina.

I do believe that most Americans give generously to charities that help here at home, and many donate time and effort to helping their fellow man. Thank God Americans also share with others in need -- no matter where they live.

jules said...

Wow, that was deep. Thanks for sharing.

Grizzly Bear said...

I am balling now after reading your post. So beautiful and eloquent. Thank you for also reminding us of the devastation here....

Terri Steffes said...

I deal with poverty every day at school, and actually fight with people to let kids eat breakfast when they are late to school. I am glad I am the principal because I just march the child to the kitchen and say, who told this child she couldn't have food?

Anyway, this is an all too important post for it just to be here. You need to send it to NBC or CBS or Fox or something.

Sue said...

Not every blog post has to be light and funny. I could feel your passion in this piece and I appreciate it.

I watched (and donated) during Larry King's special a couple nights ago. Last night, he announced they raised 8 million dollars in one evening. I was thrilled, but I also said to my husband, "think what that could do for the hungry in our country". I does seem to take a disaster to bring out the good in people. It is a good that is always there, but as you said...we forget.

Thank you.

Sue

Rachel said...

Wow, thank you so much for such a visual. I forget, too. But now I remember and must act. :)

Sweet Harper said...

I couldn't agree more Jenny. As a teacher, I have worked in some very rough inner city schools and homeless shelters. I often think the same thing, that people have NO idea what is really going on in our very own community.

I feel for the people of these impoverished nations (africa, haiti), but we need to nurture our own neighbors too. Especially the CHILDREN! Let's start there, because, although cliche, they are our future.

Thank you for sharing.

Carol said...

You are a good woman, Jenny...an angel! I feel the same...I want the same. I will work towards a better tomorrow here at home. Thank you for your wonderful words. Your post should be posted in every newspaper across this country of ours.

KCSherri said...

What a great post...

...people are donating because our TV screens are being filled every night of the suffering - and people want to help. Money - at this point - is the best way to help....

...but every day, people ARE helping people in our own country. Every day, faith-based organizations and other volunteers are hitting the streets - feeding the homeless, clothing the children, putting food into backpacks, teaching the illiterate how to read...

...it's happening - but it doesn't make the CNN headlines...

...sometimes it takes a disaster such as this to get people thinking - and I try to tell people, you CAN make a difference. Don't give up. Do your part - however small it is - every day.

Donate time or money - but do something. To the charity of your choice. In the country of your choice.

Rebekah said...

Jenny, Thank you for speaking your mind on this and sharing your thoughts. This is YOUR blog afterall. I enjoy your "voice" so much, when it is funny and when it is serious. Take care!

J said...

Photojournalism like that is something I love. Not because I love seeing people in pain but for the very reason you want: to open eyes and make people listen... Make people help, y'know?

Lately, I have felt uninspired in my photography.
I never do it professionally...
I just do it because I love it. It's an escape from my own sorrows...
Maybe that's why I've been thinking too much, too... I don't have it to fall back on... As I have said, I feel uninspired...

I really want to start carrying my Canon I once nicknamed "My Baby" and start doing stuff like this, and hopefully, in the process, help these people out, too...

People like those who run To Write Love on Her Arms (which I am passionate about their cause) and even Ty Pennington and his team with Extreme Makeover: Home Edition make me want to be a part of something like them or them and do things for others...
I'm a friend to my friends, but I shouldn't remain within my "clique." I should branch out and I want to.

That was kind of one of my goals for 2010 to start making a difference with the things I do--whether in writing or photography... Even if it only reaches a few people, it's reached someone. That matters to me.

Kim @ Starshine Chic said...

I'm afraid that your collage would be huge!! That is the unfortunate part. Thanks for reminding us that there are those all around us that need help, right in our own back yards.

Amy said...

What an amazing post. It made me think..

Claudia said...

Bravo, Jenny. An insightful, honest post about the reality for so many in our country. Thank you.

xo
Claudia

Macey said...

Great post. Very heartfelt and real. I have to ask you though...do you think other countries would pull together for us if it was the US in this position? Just wondering your thoughts on that...I don't remember much help after Katrina from other countries.

Kat said...

What an eloquent post Jenny, and I think most people feel the same way. I think that when you see these problems at home, it's easy to become overwhelmed and discouraged and feel that one person can't begin to change such an enormous problem. And when a natural disaster strikes, it's something that you can help with immediately and feel like you are doing SOMETHING. I'll share a story of something that has happened in our community. Teenagers from the athletics department at our high school have started a program called Eagle Locker. They accept donations of food, money, school supplies and clothing for children in our district identified as homeless. They can come into the locker and choose what they need, no questions asked. These kids saw a problem, came to the community with an idea to help and just did it. We were so impressed with their energy, enthusiasm and dedication that we donated a large sum to the program rather than have our normal office Christmas party. And I actually got to see the kids in action a few days later. You haven't lived until you've seen a bunch of 200 lb football players buying tiny pink mittens and hats at the local Wal-mart. And to know that we helped make it possible was the most incredible feeling. So much for "good for nothing" kids, right? I loved this post, and I love the fact that you write from your heart. Keep it up sweetie! Hugs, Kathy

McGillicutty said...

what a wonderful inspiring post. you have made me aware of a trending point of view.. if they're in America they can help themselves.. well no they can't, not always.
I will strive to do what I can with you in mind. Thanks for this.. very very awe inspiring!!!!

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Jenny, We all do love to laugh--but sometimes, we need to 'deal' with life issues. Don't apologize for this post. I think you say what many of us think and believe. We all wish we could do more. Hubby and I give ALOT to areas of need --and we do it willingly. Like so many others, we do help --but don't 'blow our horns' when we help others.

I worked in New Orleans in the '80's (long before Katrina). I worked at a downtown church --and we had a huge ministry helping those folks who had nothing, and needed help. I loved seeing what we could do--but I also saw the other side of all of that (which many of us see).

That side was about the people who didn't want nor even try to better themselves. They 'expected' US to take care of them. They felt somehow that they were entitled... That hardened me some ---and I have always been careful since then when it comes to helping someone.

HOWEVER, there are some out there who truly have had hard times and DO need our help. I wish we knew more about who is worthy and who is not. OR--maybe it doesn't matter.

Me??? I will give someone the shirt off of my back IF I thought they truly were trying to make a better life for themselves and their families. BUT--I'm not going to give one dime to someone who just goes from one place to the next, begging for help --while they don't do one darn thing to make their life better.

NUFF Said... Sorry if this sounds kinda hard. I truly am willing to help others in need, and I do. And they are truly out there, as you indicated. Let's do a better job finding them.

I enjoyed this post... You need to do more of these, Jenny.. These are issues that we don't discuss enough.

Hugs,
Betsy

Vicki/Jake said...

Jenny, only you could write this 'tug at the heart' post. Well done. I've always wondered why we as a country are first to help someone in another country, while skimming past our own needful multitudes..And yes, there are many we don't even know about. I agree with Teri and Bob, this needs to be on the news or as an article on the front page of something everyone will see. One thing I know of you from experience...you're a very caring lady who feels much more than most when it comes to helping someone in need...
Love ya my friend and never change...

Vicki/Jake said...

P.S.....
Bet your sweet hubby wont go HUH? at this one.
I hope he just sits and holds you as long as you need him too...

Anonymous said...

Finally someone saying what Ive been thinking. There are so many people her in the US that need help and they are ignored. Yet we help other people in other countries. If we gave half the effort we givce to other countries unto ourselves, our world would be so much better. Where are all the fndraisers to keep athletic programs in schools? Music classes in school and parks and recreation centers open. We should pledge money for that. We should adopt children here in our own country. I'm not saying we shouldn't help other countries, because we should. WI'm saying we should be doing a lot more for our own people. Celebrities should donate money to our children and parents who have lost their jobs and then lost their homes.

FINALLY! Someone speaks, what a lot of us feel.

I feel these celebrities are like the popular kids in school who teased the lonely kid who commits suicide because of being outkast, yet the celebrities cry and go to the funeral of kid they'd never be caught friends with. SAD! High School all over agin!

Annesphamily said...

Jenny, your post touched my heart and said, I am sitting here with the box of Kleenex. I am so glad you had the courage to speak up. I remember a friend of mine lost her only child, a teenage boy, hit & killed by a car in a hit and run accident (never caught the perp). I remember women at a Princess House area event collecting money for Leslie because she had no insurance to bury her son because she had no life ins. on him. But girls I knew were hurting, in worse shape then anybody there gave and they gave so much. I do not want to insult anyone but I believe in their hearts Americans are truly generous people. I say this because I know more Americans then anyone else on this planet. I know we give when we can't afford to give and somehow we all manage to make it work. But I believe it is only by the Grace of God that we do survive. Prayer is the best answer I know until Christ's return.

But I will tell you, a friend of mine lived in Haiti for many years in the 1970s. She told me about the utter absolute poverty there. I also heard about John a shuttle driver at Denver International Airport. One of the radio DJ's that I listen to said he rode on a shuttle bus with Big John, the driver, from Haiti. He said it is the best thing that happened to Haiti, the earthquake, because now people will know. Jenny I loved this post. Thanks for sharing.

Tara said...

Wouldn't it be wonderful if there was no suffering in the world. There is so much of it now it can make one curl up and cry. Your writings have brought me much joy since I began reading your blog, so if you ever master Photoshop, please don't quit writing!

marie said...

Awesome post! Definitely some things I've thought about the past several days.
Thanks so much for visiting me today ~ it was wonderful to find you!

Unknown said...

AMEN !! AMEN !!
Judy

People Who Know Me Would Say: said...

This post is important.

The great and powerful USA is the cobbler whose children have no shoes.

Not once have I heard the voices of politics, wealth or celebrity - the voices that command media coverage - mention the countless people who now live in tent cities all over this country because they've lost homes and jobs.

The Republicans and Democrats are so busy trying to cover their butts for potential re-election that they can't play nice long enough to pass a decent health care bill in a timely manner.

And all the needy folks without voices continue to suffer while our country moves with GREAT URGENCY to help others.

I'm not saying we shouldn't help Haiti,goodness knows I've done my part, but whatever happened to "Think Globally, Act Locally"?

If we aren't giving back to our community and our country, we're missing the boat.

Make no mistake about it: If you aren't part of the solution, you're part of the problem.

And I'm reminded of the individuals (we all know them) who are constantly diverting their attention to one emergency or another so they don't have to stop and clean up their own 'backyards'.

I'm not proud that our entire country seems to do just that all too often.

Jenny, I applaud you with your unvarnished look at how things really are. If you opened up one person's eyes or unclogged one person's ears, it's worth it!!! Bravo!

Unknown said...

Jenny, this was such a powerful post, and imagine only the second thing I've read of yours.
I agree with you............and yet I feel so frustrated living in this wonderful country where so many do without.
Thank you for writing this.

Auntie sezzzzzz... said...

Yes, damn it. What about our own, who need help?

Why does the United States have to be the saviour of the world?

If our people, in need of help, where plastered all over the world news... would the world help?

NO!

So, I go back to the beginning, why does the United States have to save the world?

What about when the United States runs out of money? Who will help the world then? If CA gets hit with 'the big one,' will the rest of the world come to the aid of CA? When the rest of the United States has run out of money?

Mari Mansourian said...

powerful post, points well made, "HELP DOES BEGIN AT HOME"... i, like many others try to do as much as i can... but there is always more we can do.
as far as writing about our pain and suffering...well sometimes it's good to hit that publish button, i actually have been writing pretty much only about that, since my husband had cancer and passed away six months ago, and it has been my only salvation and means to sanity.
thank you for this post, glad i came by

Bits-n-Pieces said...

This was beautiful Jenny...and very well written. I think it should be posted in the newspapers. You are not the first I've heard say these very same thoughts....
very thought provoking!

(I'm trying to catch up on your blog now, since I've been gone all week)

sheila said...

Well, after you commented at my place, I had to come read your post so I searched Haiti on your blog. lol.

This is so so true. I find it odd that here in the US (I'm sure in other countries as well)...we're (most of us) are having a rough couple years. Many who have nothing...and still in the Haiti relief effort, we see people with little or nothing...pouring their hearts out to those who have even less.

It's beautiful. We're a resiliant bunch in the US. And when we're knocked down, there are places to seek shelter and a meal. I'm glad the people of Haiti are finding some comfort. Without the outstretched arms of the world, there would be none for them.

And yes, many are suffering here too. We never see that on our own tv's. But we now it's there. It's very sad really. People figure...oh...they live in the US...the richest country in the world...

they should take a look under our bridges. In our alleys. Systems fail. People fail.

Great post. I'm glad there's enough love to go around and we can help whoever needs it.

Maggie said...

Bravo,a very thoughtful and thought provoking post and one we would all do well to remember.
~Maggie~

~✽Mumsy✽~ said...

Thanks Jenny for leading me to this very thought provoking post. It saddened me to see so many homeless people right around the corner, and I just dislike the thought of giving money to take care of another country.

There is no solutions, just questions as you said..

Best regards