We Shall Overcome

 

The last several weeks have been mind-numbing, humbling, and challenging.   As the fog from my brain is slowly lifting, I have had some time to reflect on the beauty of humanity that I have seen amidst all of the sadness and chaos.  I have been touched by the goodness and generosity of so many, and for that I am forever grateful.
One notion that occurred to me is that all of us who have been affected by Hurricane Sandy are going through a grieving process.  Grieving the loss of our homes, the loss of our communities, the loss of our belongings, and the loss of our sense of normalcy and safety.  For those who do not know what to say to someone who is emerging from the post-hurricane mental fog, I offer the follow suggestions (with the disclaimer that I know that everyone has good intentions when attempting to console those who have been affected by the hurricane):

• Avoid:
• Minimizing the trauma:
• "Well, insurance covers everything, right?"  Many people are incurring tremendous expenses as they have to advance their own money to begin repairs, demolition, etc.  Unfortunately, it takes weeks, if not months, for insurance companies to provide money.
• " At least you only lost material possessions.." Nothing can replace some of the photographs, mementos, and personal belongings that were destroyed.  After losing so much in a natural disaster, one not only grapples with a sense of loss, but a sense of violation as well.
• Expressing intolerance for a person's sadness/inability to express emotions, for example:
• "You have to be strong..." or "If you don't tell me what to do, I can't help you.."

• Instead, offer the following words of support:
• "I am so sorry for what you're going through..."
• "I wish I knew what to say, but I don't, so please know I care..."
• "I am here for you.."
• Give a hug...or simply just listen....

Thank you to everyone who has reached out to me...I am truly, truly blessed to be surrounded by such loving and generous people....

We shall overcome....


"We shall overcome, some day.

Oh, deep in my heart,
I do believe
We shall overcome, some day...

We'll walk hand in hand,
.We'll walk hand in hand some day...

Oh, deep in my heart,
I do believe
We shall overcome, some day.

We shall live in peace....
We shall live in peace, some day.

Oh, deep in my heart,
I do believe
We shall overcome, some day.

We are not afraid...
We are not afraid, TODAY

Oh, deep in my heart,
I do believe
We shall overcome, some day."




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j__MFhKvGQA