Reach out to those in need

OUR OPINION
Published: May 14, 2008

In the wake of destruction, many south Stafford families are left to pick up the pieces of their lives after a tornado ripped through their homes late last week.

The good news is this: Everyone came out alive, and we can be thankful for that. Still, it will be a tough road for some, to recover what they once had. While some families experienced a few broken windows or damaged parts to their homes that can easily be fixed, others returned to their homes to find them completely demolished.

They found their belongings utterly destroyed and useless. They could barely salvage anything. What they lost, they must feel, are parts of their lives — parts of themselves.

In truth, they’ve got everything they need right with them — their families, the support of their loved ones, their own strength to get through this.At a time like this however, no one who loses all of their belongings will be comforted by that.

After all, no one wants to lose all of the things they cherish, all of the memories they’ve built — all of the things that mean something to them. There were no doubt, photos, keepsakes, valuables and many important things that no one would ever want to lose, not to mention the homes.

A home is where you feel safe — that place where you can curl up at the end of the day and relax. When you’re feeling tired and stressed the words that come always seem to be: “I just want to go home.”

For some of these people, they just can’t.

It could have happened to any of us sitting in our homes that night. The tornado’s path could have taken any number of trails. Hopefully local residents will find a way to reach out to these affected residents and lend a helping hand in any way they deem fitting. After all, it could easily be any one of us who needs a friend or a helping hand tomorrow.