Day 6: Still Hope

"Firefighter Jeff McClelland uncovered a body on the moon-like surface that blankets what used to be the community of Oso.  Suddenly, he realized the dead man's son and brother were among the volunteers scouring the debris field.  The relatives sat beside the body as it was zipped into a bag.  McClelland found himself overcome with tears."  ~The Oregonian

Hope.  It is the thing that we humans have the capacity for.  Closure.  It is the thing that we need most, when we have to step into acceptance of something much bigger than ourselves. Wouldn't it seem wonderful if we all held absolute control over our own lives, without other human interactions, decisions, environmental factors, relationship conflicts, and random acts of nature. As we navigate life, we find out that the structure of living is not built that way.  

My heart and prayers goes out to the people impacted and affected by the devastating landslide, and I pray for strength for those families that find their hope fading, as another day begins for us, making it the 6th day since this tragic event happened.  When I find out about devastation, loss of life, and tragic events, it impacts me.  I am one of those sensitive souls that feels a layer of grief along with those that are directly affected.  I know there are many events surrounding us today, yesterday and all through the month of March. This one I post about, not only because it is close to home, but because I cannot imagine what it felt like minutes before the landslide occurred, or even more so,  as it happened --- barrelling down upon men, women, children, toddlers, infants, and beloved pets.  

With gratitude I write this post to the men and women that are donating their time for the rescue and recovery efforts.  Your time is a gift to the families, and as hope does seem to dim for those families, it is closure and their own core faith beliefs that will be the thing they need.  All efforts to assist the families and friends --- time, care, empathy, reaching out to connect, and love -- will be a comfort at this time.