Tag: help

Left behind

~ Patricia Fagan ~ Leave a comment

 

FB_IMG_1506479935696Why should I be concerned with those left behind in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria?

Some people were fortunate enough to get their family members out of the Island of Dominica after the hurricane. Those who had the means to travel overseas left in droves by ferry, helicopter, and chartered planes.  I am very thankful because my parents at such a ripe old age arrived safely after enduring weeks with no communication, electricity or running water.

For those left behind, it’s pure torture as the Government scrambles for food water shelter and clothing. Basic amenities are trickling in slowly. Towns have to be relocated due to the  major damage of  homes in many locations.

Don’t forget the children who lost homes and experienced such a tragedy. The schools are unable to give them a sense of normalcy due to the severe conditions of the buildings. Can you imagine living in a place that looks like a war zone?

There are many people living in shelters who has lost everything they own.  I stopped to consider their plight and I couldn’t help but think about the pieces of their life they will have to rebuild all over again.

No one is coming to their rescue in order to get them off the Island. This is their home, and for those who have businesses and work in government positions, the task of rebuilding their country will be daunting.

For others left behind in broken wind-swept roofs, damaged and sunken homes, it was like living in a nightmare which will continue for years to come.

I am deeply concerned with those who are left behind because they are left with  a country that will be impacted in so many ways as they pick up the pieces of their broken lives. We got our parents out but there are friends and relatives trying to deal with this new reality.

We have to thank God everyday for our blessings. Today is given, tomorrow is never promised. The people living in Dominica have a long road ahead in order to conquer the impact of this storm.

They will rebuild their Garden of Eden which is now littered with Debris. It is an opportunity for renewal and rebirth. Let us pray for those who are left behind so they can pick up the broken pieces of their lives.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A crisis at hand

~ Patricia Fagan ~ Leave a comment

IMG-20170920-WA0018When a crisis strikes in other locations around the world, are you empathetic and compassionate about the victims plight? What if anything are you willing to do to help those in need.

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I had a reality check recently when Hurricane Maria rolled over the Island of Dominica. It caused such devastation that I decided to take an active role in participating in their recovery. Maybe one of the primary reasons, it’s the land of my birth and I have family still living there to date. But don’t get me wrong, I have donated to many other causes who came knocking.

There are several ways to be of service, but I decided to start a go fund me account to aid them with some of their basic needs.

The desperation of these people because of a lack of food, water and housing touched my heart therefore I went to work connecting with as many people as possible to get the word out for immediate donations.  What I learned from this experience shocked me into reality.

People, even the ones who are considered your closest friends, aren’t always willing to give even a small donation. I know we all have certain things we are struggling through in our lives. Believe me, I get it.. Then again in this country, we are blessed with a roof over our heads and food on our table. I  guess I was being really naive in thinking friends, family and even strangers, would be ready willing and able to put their money towards Dominica’s recovery. After all, it’s not their problem…

There are some people who I thank from the bottom of my heart that stepped up to the plate. One woman in particular, my coworker who has been extremely passionate in getting the word out to her friends and family. There are also others who helped as well but they are a small minority.

Why are we so complacent, when it comes to helping others in need? I’m not referring to the same people who give time and time again.  We fail to see the urgency in various crisis because we’re not impacted by some of these disasters. In reality, it is the Caribbean today and it might be us tomorrow waiting and hoping someone else will give us a helping hand.

hands-459442_1280I pray that you open you hearts and wallets to help those who are not only in Dominica, but others all over the world who are impacted through various disasters. If you’re interested in helping Dominica please look for the Dominica recovery fund at go fund me. The people of Dominica will appreciate your help. Every drop of kindness in the bucket means someone else will have food and water for sustenance. God bless You….