Be the One….

Most of you know that I started to grow up in the southern United States (not done yet, but you knew that, too). Because of that, and because of other environmental protection/restoration work I do, the events of the past five years in the Gulf have struck a place in my heart.

You all saw pictures of the aftermath of Katrina.

What I saw: The aerial pictures of the city, which showed only the round yellow tops of school buses at the school in New Orleans where my first teaching assignment was. Saw the apartment I lived in, mostly underwater. Saw the coffeehouse I usually played at, with water to the eaves.

It was personal.

But this Gulf oil spill is different, and even bigger. The damage has been done, but the work of restoration will continue for decades, and that touches us all, even as far away as we are, here.

My sister, who has been a nurse for more than 30 years, best described to me what is happening to the Gulf.  A terrible traumatic event has happened, like a car accident.  When you are brought to the hospital, you stop the bleeding.  Once that is done you start to heal.  And then, the hard part occurs – rehabilitation. “Therapies” are prescribed. And that, my sister said can be the loneliest journey.  It could be ours in the Gulf if we allow it.

Almost everyone I know has said, “What can I do?” Here’s a chance to be part of a movement to help…here’s the link about it, and here’s the video. I hope you have a chance to be a part of it. Thanks for listening.

Your friend & reporter,

Ian

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