Remembering

I was stunned. I felt unable to move in those first few moments as I watched the towers crash down while people were trying to outrun the billowing cloud behind them. In the days that followed 9-11, people were patriotic, patient and quiet. A man I worked with was a former marine and a patriot. He ran communications at the company where I worked. He was behind his wooden mahogany desk, sitting in his black leather executive chair.  He was stiff, almost at attention while watching the television in his office. I remember one quiet sentence he uttered, “They are all patriotic now, but they will forget”.


I awoke this morning to my usual routine. I went to the kitchen and poured water into the kettle that would be used to make coffee with my press. I filled the cat and dog’s water bowl and fed them their breakfast. Then I brushed my teeth and took a shower. When I returned to the kitchen, Barkley was studying every move I made. He knew it was time for our walk. I grabbed his leash and said, “OK, let’s go”. We slowly walked on the sidewalk and I maneuvered him around the freshly watered lawns. He’s a small dog and low to the ground. Walking through a puddle is sure to soak his entire underside.


I simmered a chicken the day before. Today, I would make chicken soup. When I returned from the walk, I made a list of things I needed to complete the soup; a can of tomatoes, celery, carrots, onions, parsley, peppers and ravioli. I drove to the store and quickly gathered the things I needed and headed home. Upon returning home, I turned on the television and watched a few minutes of the news. I called a friend on the phone and talked for a few minutes.


I picked up the Los Angeles Times and read Joe Mozingo’s front page report on the situation in Haiti. His words are painted with descriptions that leave the reader feeling like they have had first-hand experience. The country was bracing for Hurricane Tomas while dealing with the aftermath of the earthquake earlier this year. Cholera has broken out. People are living in tents. Fortunately, they were spared the wrath of Tomas, but it did present an opportunity to remind people of the suffering the Haitians are experiencing in everyday life. As I read Joe’s article, I remembered my marine friend’s words, “they will forget”.

Castries before Hurricane Tomas

I turned on my computer and opened an email from one of my friends in Saint Lucia. They were not so lucky; Tomas wreaked havoc on the country which was my home for two years. It was before noon, but as I read the email I reflected on things most of us don’t consider in our daily lives. I turned on the water to take a hot shower, to brush my teeth, to fill the tea kettle. I picked up Barkley so he wouldn’t get wet from the freshly watered lawns.

Castries after Hurricane Tomas

Saint Lucia experienced a drought this summer. Pipes in homes were dry during many summer days. In an effort to conserve water, the government shut off the water supply in many areas of the country. Some were carrying buckets of water retrieved from a standpipe. I took my share of cold bucket baths. During Hurricane Tomas, the dam was damaged by a mudslide. The water supply is now in severe crises. People are collecting rainwater to drink. The government is warning people to boil the water they collect. Some do.

Once trees that provided food

I turned on my television knowing I had electricity and dialed my phone expecting service. I went to the store with a list of things I needed, knowing I would get every item on the list plus a couple of impulse buys. Many people are scrambling for supplies. Store shelves are empty and the fruit trees and crops they depend on to feed families are destroyed. The banana industry has been decimated. This is a developing country and the government doesn’t have a lot of money.

Roads sink into the earth

While I drive on well maintained roads, many roads in Saint Lucia are severely damaged. Some have sink holes. A few places could only be reached by boat. 

Shelterboxes provided by Rotary and flown in courtesy of Virgin Airlines

I woke in a warm bed this morning while many people in Saint Lucia are living in tents with outdoor showers and toilet facilities because their homes have been destroyed. One village is so badly damaged there is a question about whether or not anyone will be able to return.


I didn’t respond when I heard my marine friend whisper those words, “they will forget”. He wasn’t looking for a response, but I know what it would have been if he had asked.