WEATHERING THE STORM

As the pictures from the Tornado in Goderich, Ontario flash across our screens, we can reflect on other disasters that we have seen. From floods to monsoons to hurricanes to tornados to war zones, no one  on this earth will escape some  adversity in his or her lifetime. We all can have something beautiful that can be destroyed in a short time. The town square in Goderich reminds me of Adolph's hometown Cassino afer WWII. It was a beautiful town before the war and completely rebuilt afterwards. It never was the same picturesque community. Courage and perseverance is needed to start over. To lose our homes and our stuff is not easy. We are often told well the insurance will pay. It does not replace the memories. The anxiety about other future disaster possibilities can manifest itself in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Letting ourselves grieve the situation before moving on is essential. When a community is affected, there is a solidarity in numbers-you do not feel alone! Have you experienced some adversity lately? Do you feel affected by witnessing disasters in the media? Have you weathered a storm recently?

HURRICANE SEASON

As the Maritimes braces for Hurricane Earl and what he will bring, it reminds me of a childhood memory- Hurricane Hazel. That Hurricane in 1954 was one of the worst natural disasters for the Toronto area for decades. It is the reason there are deep ditches in many parts of the GTA in case there is flooding again. My main memory at age 4 is my mother's panic and having to go to the basement. I think that is why she was always afraid of storms. I thought it was just my mother who had that phobia until my 30's when I had a neighbour who would come to my house if she was alone during a thunderstorm. Every area of the world and home here in Canada can be affected by natural disasters. Manitoba has its periodic floods, tornados that have touched down coast to coast, the terrible forest fires in British Columbia and of course many winter blizzards that rain havoc. Back to Hurricanes. We are usually unscathed by them. However, history does tell us otherwise. What is your memory of a natural disaster that impacted your life? Do you try to be prepared in case of an emergency situation?