Awaking to the horrifying first images of the Bahama Islands, Pearl Bailey and I were astounded. Abaco and Freeport islands were the first in reporting, all the while the storm still raged outside the shelter walls, seemingly stalled for no other reason than it’s intent of total obliteration.
With tears streaming down failing into my coffee cup, and Pearl Bailey more subdued than usual (again, she vibes off of me), neither one of us could bear the news. I put my head in my hands and cried; Pearl Bailey covered her eyes and sighed. It was a very big sigh.
The Bahamian Islands are a group of hundreds of islands and cays, which lie southeast of my State of Florida. It is a nation of people known for their welcoming, warm responsive attention to its visitors. They are a strong people made-up from many different nationalities. This tiny island nation has withstood many hurricanes, some of them catastrophic , but Dorian’s calling card was not a welcome visitor. Dorian delivered the Bahama’s a devastating blow, and she hasn’t let up yet, even when this beautiful island nation cried “Uncle!”
One courageous Freeport resident interviewed on CNN spoke with hope, he said “We think of the State of Florida as our big brother, we watched the devastation you suffered during Katrina and Michael, we have drawn on your resilience to come together. We are a nation of re-builders, we will come together and be stronger, we will build stronger, and we will be a better opponent next time.” As a Floridian, this made me want to jump in a boat and get over there are soon as possible.
Friends of my blog, Island Jane located in Key West, are helping in the organization of relief help as soon as it is safe to navigate over there. The Key West folks, also known as Conchs, know how to come together. Hit hard in 2017 by the Cat 4 storm, Irma, the Key islands showed their resiliance and have re-built with doors re-opened. The effort these folks are calling for is: tarps, batteries, flash lights, toiletries of all types; generators, medicines, first-aid kits, clothing, construction materials. If you can contribute to this effort, please send to drop off location: Seahunter Boat Factory; 25545 SW 140 Ave., Homestead, FL 33032. They ask to please not send cash, make those contributions directly to a local Bahamian relief organizations.
I think it is important to say that no amount of contribution is too small. If each one of us just dug in our pocket and offered just $5 – we could build a sizable mountain of hope. A $5 pack of batteries – drop it in the mail; a $10 tarp – send it along; a couple of flash lights – swaddle them in bubble wrap and ship them off. Enlist your kids in the efforts, teach them what it means to ‘give hope’. These islands have been crushed by this monster, believe me every little bit makes a difference.
Thank you for anything you can do, even if it is only to spread awareness so others may help. I am grateful you lent me your ear. Big Heart!