Just Powers

I am ashamed to admit that I have mostly avoided the coverage of the Haiti earthquake and its aftermath. It was an avoidance I have been conscious of even while I haven’t been sure of the reason behind it.

Tonight, watching the Hope for Haiti Now fundraiser the reason became clear. It’s my kids. As I watched the images from Haiti and heard the stories of loss and families torn apart I realized that I have been avoiding it because I just can’t stand it. I can’t stand the knowledge of the children who have lost their parents, of the parents who have lost their children. I can’t stand the hundreds and thousands of people coping with grief, loss, hunger, fear, pain, and death. I can’t stand the thought of my own family having to face these challenges or of my children finding themselves suddenly scared and alone in the world. It’s incredibly selfish of me, but that is the truth.

Watching the coverage left me sobbing with grief - for the people of Haiti, for its children and for its future. It also left me feeling guilty that I have avoided it until now. If the people of Haiti can stand what is happening to them and can find hope in the rubble, how dare I say I can’t stand simply watching it.

We have contributed to the relief of Haiti. Now I want to wrap my arms around everyone there, especially the children, and hold them and tell them everything is going to be alright. Since I can’t do that I want to call someone and tell them that we can take in some of the children they might be sending to the US soon. Since I can’t do that, I am going to go hug my kids.