This winter has been extremely cold and has dumped significant amounts of snow in our region. We have had unbearable cold that has left us feeling like we are in a bit of a frozen tundra. Schools have been closed, businesses have closed their doors and road crews have had to work long hours to clear the roads from snow and ice. We have definitely experienced a challenging winter season.
As we worked so diligently to clear our walkways and driveways which is a great deal of effort, I witnessed neighbors using their snowblowers, their shovels and their good will to help each other survive the depths of snow that we all had on our cars and properties. I see neighbors offering help to each other, teens offering to help (for money, of course) and lots of conversations together unlike any other time of year. The weather crisis brought us together, young helping older and sometimes older helping the young in some significant tasks. It has a sense of community that is extremely encouraging and connecting.
I also hear stories of people helping people who are homeless, stuck in their houses, having power failures with no heat and struggling to get to the store to buy food. For a moment everything gets quiet, activities cease and what is left is our mutual attempts to get through a storm and make sure that our neighbors are safe. I even noticed that some who are not often in connection with others step up and show the good will that is characteristic in our country of caring for our fellow citizens. In the face of our mutual focus in a time of need there is a sense of common purpose that unites us.
As I think about the varied struggles in our country, I see so much division, hate, violence and mental health concerns that are reaching a level of crisis. I know that for many the constant hum of stress is creating a great deal of anxiety. We see it in our families, our schools, our politics, our communities and generally in our society. For those of us who are in the caretaking profession, we recognize the seriousness of this intense anxiety and dysregulation. I see it as a national crisis that seems to be growing.
The simple illustration of snowstorm recovery shows us that we do have the potential to unite around a common cause and help each other through concern, active support and compassion. That kind of community support that is focused and connecting is a way for us to recognize that we have the potential to overcome some of our differences by uniting around issues that we can agree on and resolve as a community. As neighbors help neighbors with their children, their health issues, their practical needs and other struggles, it is a sign that communities are capable to rise and create positive impact to each other.
What we are experiencing relationally and emotionally is so much more than a snowstorm. It is a life storm that has potential to create significant societal devastation. Imagine if we could use lessons learned from the basic care in a snowstorm to change our lens and help each other through building positive relationships, demonstrating acts of practical care and stepping up with focused interventions in order to meet the relational and emotional needs around us. Our communities have powerful potential to create change, hope and healing through simply caring for one another in the most simple ways.
Gerry Vassar
President/CEO
