DISASTERS

It’s a small, small world. All the natural disasters we have experienced since last fall strike a number of our residents on a personal level. We may all live together, but we come from far-flung destinations across the USA.

We were reminded that a few people knew individuals who lost their lives in the twin towers when the two airplanes flew into them. There are two ladies who lived just outside New York City at the time of that tragedy. During the anniversary last fall they retold the story of their friends and emotions. We were all devastated, but their connection was personal.

During one of the eastern snowstorms a resident was stuck in Chicago when flights were canceled. She was changing planes and her flight was canceled during her layover. She did not know anyone in Chicago. She was frightened and alone. She finally got home, but the extra layover was hard on her.

I have a brother and several former high school buddy’s who still live in Nebraska and dealt with the deluge of snow this winter. My 84-year-old brother has lived in the same house for over 30 years. He is one of the few in his neighborhood with a snowplow. Because he has this mechanical assistance to deal with snow he takes care of clearing the sidewalks of several of his neighbors. They are old people you know. He should not be out there himself; I don’t care how young he thinks he is,

When the tsunami hit Japan one resident of Japanese decent had family near the disaster. After hours of trying, she finally reached them and learned they were all safe.

The tornado in Joplin, MO seemed far removed. It is another great tragedy. The destruction is shocking. But at coffee I began talking with Forrest. He is an old Midwest farmer from a family of farmers. He can spin the most fascinating yarns about life near the turn of the century. He lived through the Oklahoma dust bowl when his family survived as squatters and ate what little they could find. He still has family from Oklahoma to Missouri and all places in between. He has a nephew in the very hospital that was destroyed in Joplin. He was released only the day before the tornado. He would have been there himself as he usually gets there a week before Memorial Day for a big family reunion. He’s the family patriarch now and makes the drive there 2-3 times years. Forrest is 95 and still going strong.

I have friends and former students around the world. I track world events in Africa, Latin America, Europe and especially Canada. It’s a small world. If we think about it we might all be surprised about whom we know and where they are in relation to all these disasters.

Because the world is so small, we are often deeply touched by the natural disasters and political turmoil everywhere. I know people who have been in Arab countries. Frankly, I’m glad they are retired or home. Because of the connections we have, the world is now our village.

I understand the trauma of Harold Camping’s disappointment that God did not do as he had hoped and expected. Many try to form God into their own image and turn Him into a celestial genie. Scripture does say the world will come to an end. And there are certainly many signs as there have been for many years. The prophets say we age getting closer. I believe that. Each day we live we are getting closer to the end. All these disasters are a sign. But it all seems much more eminent when these things happen to us. I have very bad news. God’s plans do not revolve around us.