Twisters, Invasions and Compassion

 

There is nothing quite like having a personal connection with people who are experiencing loss and suffering to teach you what it means to be compassionate - unless you are one of the people who are experiencing lost and someone shows you that compassion.

The past weekend's storms in Iowa continue a distressing pattern of violent weather at strange times of the year.  A derecho in mid-December and now tornadic activity in early March that took seven lives and destroyed several homes and other buildings.

In addition to the news of injuries, deaths and lost homes, we are aware of at least one small farm that lost most of its infrastructure to this storm.  While it sounds like the house will be fine (thank goodness), high tunnels, equipment and numerous other items were damaged or destroyed.  

It does not take much imagination on our part to consider what this would be like for us at our own farm.  Yes, we've dealt with storm damage multiple times in the past - and it is always stressful and it is typically lots of extra work at times when we really don't need more to do.  But, we have not dealt with anything quite so difficult as the direct hit of a tornado.

We can imagine both high tunnels damaged beyond repair (because we have seen it other places).  We can picture in our minds-eye collapsed buildings and ruined farm equipment.  We can even imagine the moments that follow the event - when we stand outside and look - dazed by the destruction we are witnessing - yet not quite fully aware that this means we will have a very long way to go just to have a shot at any sort of growing season.

Connection breeds compassion.

Several years ago, I played the board game Ticket to Ride using an online game site.  I actually played competitively in tournaments against players from all over the world.  I became acquainted with people from France, Germany, Brazil, Canada and Japan.  I also learned to have more concern for my online friends from Catalonia (in Spain) when protests there led to great uncertainty.  I heard stories from my acquaintances in Italy as they reported the losses of loved ones during the early days of the pandemic.

And now, even though I am no longer active playing this game online, I have learned that a couple of my Ticket To Ride (TTR) playing friends have sent their families away from their homes while they remain - in Ukraine.  I made the mistake (if it was, in fact, a mistake) to be listening to the New York Times show, the Daily, as I was driving to pick Tammy up from work.  This show followed their journalist as they fled the eastern half of Ukraine with much of the civilian population.

They discussed how the women and children were saying good-bye to their husbands and fathers who had to stay behind.  And I suddenly realized that is exactly what my two friends have had to do in the last week or so.

Connection breeds compassion.

It is always so easy to be angry and to take sides when you diligently avoid making any real and lasting contact with those you have decided to disagree with.  "They" are not actually human as long as you don't interact in good faith.  It's suddenly ok if "they" are treated poorly or if "they" have bad things happen to them.... until it's "you."  

Then you suddenly have this belief that "they," and everyone else should be there for you.

Well, my friends.  It starts with you.  Be there for them.

Make a connection.