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OPINION
After learning of the devastation that struck the small Kansas town of Greensburg Friday night in the form of a nearly two-mile wide tornado that ravaged through the quaint “heartland” community, a little light bulb went off in my head. And if the right powers-that -be got behind the notion- it just might really be possible. See what you think... You know how at Christmas-time, some non-profits encourage those who are more fortunate to “adopt-a-family” that is less fortunate for the holidays. Names, ages of all family members are provided, and maybe even a wish list of what the family needs most. Why can’t we put that concept to work on a grander scale. For instance, Greensburg was said to have a population of about 1500, most all of whom amazingly enough survived the devastating forces that wiped out all but a few structures. Imagine, if various cities across the nation took it upon themselves to adopt a family. If you consider that the population of 1500 occupied even up to 750 homes (or two people per household)- surely there are that many cities across the great nation that could help out. The actual number of families is surely even less than 750. Just think- if everyone in our community of the Fountain Valley area contributed $10 each, that would raise like $300,000 - (based on my guess-timate that we have a local population of about 30,000.) Granted, not everyone can afford to or would choose to donate- but I’m sure there are many who would be happy and most willing to donate much more than 10 bucks! People helping people- that’s what this great nation is all about.Wouldn’t it be a beautiful representation of the American spirit- to show the rest of the world (as well as our fellow Americans- some of whom are now left with only the clothes on their back) how much we really care!! I think I’ll email a copy of this column to the Red Cross, and other agencies that could probably get the ball rolling... as I always say, “It never hurts to ask or try....” In speaking with a local lady who happens to hail from Greensburg (my sister-in-law, Judy St. Louis), I heard a lot about the pioneer spirit that even President Bush used in reference to the people of Greensburg. She said she has no doubt that many of the hard-working mid-westerners who make their home in Greensburg will stay and rebuild. Some of whom include her family members. Judy’s sister, Vicki Weaver was featured in one or more stories following the storm. She was at one of the few structures left standing after the tornado wiped out like 95% of the town- a tavern owned by her sister, Debbie. Soon, she was told the tavern had to be turned into a make-shift morgue to hold the bodies of the victims, which amazingly were few in number. Perhaps that’s the biggest blessing out of this tragedy. How a town of 1500 can be nearly eliminated (as far as structures- homes, power plants, schools, businesses, hospitals etc.... but with only a handful of fatalities. I hope you will include the people of Greensburg in your prayers. As Judy said to me on Monday, “Most of the people their either owned local businesses or worked for the local businesses- now many are not only homeless, but jobless too.” I have no doubt we will find out in the coming weeks as these people crafted from the very fabric of Americana start to pick up the pieces (literally and figuratively) of what’s left as they make a new start on a “brighter tomorrow.” CONTACT THE WRITER • PATRICIA@FTNVALLEYNEWS.COM |
