When 9/11 happened I was absolutely devastated. I could not fathom the tragedy! There was so much death and destruction. As I have been so fortunate to live in Canada I has never seen anything like that. I didn't know where put it. I stayed home from work for a week glued to the TV waiting for the next shoe to drop.
Flash forward 12 years and there's another terrorist attack. Yesterday two bombs went off at The Boston Marathon resulting in 3 deaths and numerous injuries. Just as I watched the tragedy of 9/11 unfold on CNN, I watched The Boston Marathon tragedy unfold on CNN. Once again I was horrified that some one would do this. What was supposed to be a celebration of athletic achievement was a day of devastation. It was different this time though. This time I was not surprised. Oh there's another terrorist attack, not surprised.
What bothers me as much as the bombing is my lack of surprise. When did I become so jaded? I still believe in the good in people and am not a total cynic. People can be good, they chose not to be. In light of The Boston Marathon I have realized that 9/11 has changed me forever.
Xoxo
Tuesday, 16 April 2013
Wednesday, 3 April 2013
What Would You Do?
Yesterday I went on a shopping adventure! I was off with a friend to find her the perfect dress for her son's wedding. After several hours of trying on dresses it was time for a rest. We headed off to the food court for a rest and a snack. When we were sitting at our table a man approached us and asked for "money for food". We advised him we wouldn' give him money.. He went from table to table and was given a soda from a food vendor. As we were leaving I noticed that he was at a table where 2 young boys sat. He was hustling them for money. I noticed how uncomfortable they were and felt compelled to intervene.
I told him to leave, but he continued to ask the boys for money. His eyes were glazed and frantic. In my opinion it wasn't lunch he was jonesing for! He finally noticed my presence and became combative. Thankfully after tossing some salty language at me he left without incident.
What troubled me is that the food court was full of adults. Surely I couldn't have been the only one who noticed? What if this was a life threatening incident? Would anyone help? Tim and I love watching "What Would You Do" and are appalled at how people can stand by when someone else is in trouble. Granted, we fear these situations and worry about our own safety which is totally understandable. If the man had a gun, my reaction would have been different, but would still call for help.
My friend was concerned that I intervened. She accurately pointed out that he could have taken a swing at me or robbed me. Let's face it, physically I'm vulnerable. Despite this, I would do it again. As I was leaving the mall I saw the boys again and they thanked me for helping me out. Their relief and gratitude made my day. Maybe I intervened because let's face it, helping others is an awesome rush!
xoxo
I told him to leave, but he continued to ask the boys for money. His eyes were glazed and frantic. In my opinion it wasn't lunch he was jonesing for! He finally noticed my presence and became combative. Thankfully after tossing some salty language at me he left without incident.
What troubled me is that the food court was full of adults. Surely I couldn't have been the only one who noticed? What if this was a life threatening incident? Would anyone help? Tim and I love watching "What Would You Do" and are appalled at how people can stand by when someone else is in trouble. Granted, we fear these situations and worry about our own safety which is totally understandable. If the man had a gun, my reaction would have been different, but would still call for help.
My friend was concerned that I intervened. She accurately pointed out that he could have taken a swing at me or robbed me. Let's face it, physically I'm vulnerable. Despite this, I would do it again. As I was leaving the mall I saw the boys again and they thanked me for helping me out. Their relief and gratitude made my day. Maybe I intervened because let's face it, helping others is an awesome rush!
xoxo
Tuesday, 2 April 2013
The Reinvention of Laurie
It's been a few weeks now since I have "retired" and I am in the midst of creating a new life for myself. This is no easy task!
Now that my obligations as a Case Manager are over, the world is full of shiny possibilities. I can truly spend my life focusing on saving animals and flexing my creative muscles. I have begun to seriously pursue getting a service dog. Now how to bling up their vest......
The onus will be on me to plan my days and make them productive. I have begun volunteering with hart (humane animal rescue team) as a donation coordinator. My first order of business has been securing donations for our June silent auction. I am delighted with the support we are receiving from local business. It's exciting working on something that means so much to me.
This wild ride has just begun!
Xoxo
Now that my obligations as a Case Manager are over, the world is full of shiny possibilities. I can truly spend my life focusing on saving animals and flexing my creative muscles. I have begun to seriously pursue getting a service dog. Now how to bling up their vest......
The onus will be on me to plan my days and make them productive. I have begun volunteering with hart (humane animal rescue team) as a donation coordinator. My first order of business has been securing donations for our June silent auction. I am delighted with the support we are receiving from local business. It's exciting working on something that means so much to me.
This wild ride has just begun!
Xoxo
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