An Early Thanksgiving Diary
(Because Thanksgiving is never on a Friday...ever)
A couple of weeks ago, I highlighted compassion fatigue and how it adversely effects those working in nonprofits and other “helping” jobs (like firefighters and EMTs). Even in more localized and smaller venues, people get burnt out if they never see an end in sight to people’s needs.
In looking back through my life, I have been fortunate that I have survived my struggles. Sometimes I worked three jobs. I’m thankful I could find them. Sometimes I rented out a spare room (did that three times) in order to make my mortgage payment. I’m thankful for the boarders who I shared my home with. Whatever I had to do, I did it. However, I realized, that I have never been in any natural disaster: not floods, hurricanes or fires. My daughter survived three hurricanes (2004-2005) in Florida and Mississippi. The last of these being Katrina. I’m thankful the only thing she lost was electricity.
Right now, my adopted state of California is being destroyed by two wildfires. The Woolsey (which, as of this writing, is 57% contained) has destroyed 504 structures, burned 98,362 acres and resulted in three deaths. Full containment is expected by Monday. The “Camp Fire” (which is just 35% contained) has destroyed more than 10k structures, burned 138,000 acres and resulted in 63 confirmed deaths (with 631 still missing). The town of Paradise has been destroyed.
I’m not asking you to forget about others in need (like those on our list). However, if you can help, you can donate to the American Red Cross or the Salvation Army. Let’s not forget those that have lost so much. Let’s give them something to be thankful for this year.
Leading the way (again) in saving our planet.
Hydrogen fueled cars are the cleanest.
More helper stories
“We’ve come a long way, baby.”
BONUS TWEET
Strong people stand up for themselves, but stronger people stand up for others.