It's just a number

[The Straight Story]

and it is 1.

In 2004, December 26th, there was a deadly Tsunami that killed about 225,000 people (wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2004_Indian_Ocean_earthquake ).

And here we are in 2008 with Myanmar and maybe 100,000 dead.

And let us not forget Katrina.

In 2004 there was but 1 death that shattered my life as I knew it. My mom. on 12/31/2004. A few days after that tragic Tsunami claimed the lives of so many others.

So often we hear these numbers and think simply of basic aid, getting people what they need - water, food, etc, and so on. And yet I still remember the pain and hell I went through over just one death.

Tonight as you lay down to sleep, go to work, whatever, remember those people in your thoughts/prayers/etc. For not only have they lost the basics, many many more have lost something we cannot give them through general aid.

A loved one.

You cannot fix that.

Somewhere there a child is crying over the loss of a parent, a parent over the loss of a child, a sibling, a friend, and so on.

The pain will not go away with just the influx of food, medicine, etc.

And tonight, somewhere here and elsewhere, someone is losing someone who means the world to them.

Whether it be 1 or thousands, someone is crying in pain over their loss and hurting.

And I hope that they find comfort in some small way. They don't just need coffee or a place to stay, or meds and food, they need mental health care and a shoulder to cry on.

They need love. And I hope to God someday that this world becomes more about giving love than war. For once that happens we can truly say we have become a progressive world.

Everyday in this world someone loses someone they loved and needed. While it may not impact us, it does them - and as a progressive I feel for them.

And I don't need a Holiday a few times of year to feel that love. I feel it everyday. I know everyday what it is like to feel a loss so great you cannot put it into words.

Sad that some only feel that on certain days of the year.

Everyday is Christmas to me - and I feel for those that have lost so much and want nothing more than to have just one more day with the ones they love.

The difference between the right and the left is that we feel this love every day, not just on Holidays.

Goodwill to humankind, peace and love, and "It's a Wonderful Life" are not just themes we have a few days a year. It is a lifestyle.

[Kitty Herder]

1. Your post brought tears to my eyes.

It's very moving and an important reminder.

By the way, how is AutumnMist?

[The Straight Story]

4. so-so Allergies are hell right now

and she has lost her voice, but Lord willing she will be better soon.

Trying to keep things lite, have a thread about her hair and mine here :)

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=105&topic_id=7718095&mesg_id=7718095

:rofl:

You gotta take it all one day at a time.

[Kitty Herder]

7. Nice mohawk you got goin' there!

:rofl:

I think I like her hair both ways, no preference.

I'm glad you're keeping things lite. :)

[uppityperson]

2. 4073, 149 , 433+, 41893+

usa military, journalists, contractors (partial list) and Iraqis (partial list)
RIP

[The Straight Story]

8. Indeed

So often we see just a number, like it is nothing. And yet there are many times more than that number who are affected.

Truly sad for them all.

[TomInTib]

3. Oh. man...

I could count it on one hand, easy.

Gone...

Tom

[The Straight Story]

5. I know what ya mean

My X wife, friends, relatives...it just keeps on going.

Death is permanent and it affects so many. I applaud all the aid we send to people, but I hope we can send some mental aid as well.

God bless the people who deal with these issues day in and out and help folks after the news cameras have left.

It has not been easy for me, and I cannot imagine how hard it has been/will be for so many in tragedies like this.

[uppityperson]

6. My kid turned older today.

Young adult. Incredible.