reyshizz

“L’union fait la force” (Strength through unity)

*Sigh* … where do I begin? On Tuesday January 12, 2010 a friend of mine text me with the news about the earthquake in Haiti. I was at work, working on something at my desk. I stopped for a moment and thought… “Really? Haiti?… damn, that’s unfortunate.” I did a Google Search and saw images and read the headline … “blah blah Earthquake Haiti blah blah 7.0.” Now I’m like, “Wow that’s pretty bad, I hope the people are OK.” On my way home my nephew texts me about the earthquake. Then it hit me… “Shit, I got family in Haiti, I hope they’re doing OK” For the rest of my commute people were calling and texting showing concern for my family in Haiti. The more I talked to people the more worried I became.

I get home and everyone is huddled around the TV. Mom is keeping her composure but obviously worried to death. My aunt just went back to Haiti after visiting us for a couple of months. She’s old and fragile and would not be able to withstand the effects of an Earthquake. I visited Haiti in June 09 and thought about all the family I’ve met for the first time. Now I’m really worried. The first think I could think of is go on Facebook and message my cousins who live in Haiti. Looking back that was probably the dumbest thing I’ve done in a while. Realizing how stupid that was, I stopped worrying. There was nothing I could. Then I saw the tweet by @wyclef, “Help Haiti Earthquake Relief Donate $5 by texting YELE to 501 501 right now please RT.” Without thinking I reach for my phone and sent my donation. Now what… nothing…

Being the positive, passive, go-with-the-flow person I am, I let go. I know that everything happens for reason and some good can come out of every situation, even the apparent misfortune of a 7.0 Earthquake. I closed my door, stopped watching TV, online videos and images. I was done with the media coverage.

I think back to Katrina and the Tsunami and my reaction was pretty much the same. I was a bit more worried in this situation because I know people in Haiti, but at the same time there’s very little I could do, but hope and pray for everyone there.

The Media
The media coverage on any disaster situation doesn’t help much. After the facts are stated and ways to help are mentioned, it seems they use the situation to gain as much attention as possible. I’ve never seen this much coverage on Haiti in my life. In a way, it’s good because people are becoming aware of how poor the country is, but at the same time I wonder how long will this interest last. I also wounder if they’s asked the question, “Why is Haiti so poor?” I’m not going to act like I know the answer but I do have my theories.

Poverty…
How does any nation become poor? I am 100% positive that if the leaders of the world wanted to eliminate poverty, they could. How hard could it really be? Honestly…

That’s Life
Like I said earlier, everything happens for a reason. Nothing is guaranteed. Nothing is forever. All we could do is hope for the best and let the chips fall where they may. As it so happens, I received word from all of my family members in Haiti. They all survived. Few had damage done to their homes but no fatalities were suffered. For that, I am thankful.

PS – Special thanks goes all who voiced their concern for my family in Haiti. I really appreciate it. Thank you.