by Mary Lou Roe ©

I like to think there’s something to be learned from every experience we encounter in life. A lesson or shift in consciousness that develops who we are, whether it’s the dawning of gratitude when we continue to wake up in the morning or the realization, after a serious illness, that time is not something to waste.

It has taken me nearly two weeks to come to any clear understanding of what there is for me to learn from the devastating earthquake in Haiti. From the resulting death of a well-known member of my local community, Yvonne Martin. (See attached picture.)  And from the fear that surrounded the tenuous circumstances of another, Alice Soeder. But learning I am.

Yvonne and Alice were part of a seven member medical team that landed in Haiti the day of the earthquake. Loaded with supplies and compassion for those in need, they were embarking on a two-week mission to provide medical care for impoverished Haitians. But within an hour-and-a-half of landing, Yvonne was dead and Alice was stranded amidst the chaos. My friends, family and hometown of Elmira, Ontario were rocked to the core.

Before now I’ve never known anyone caught in the middle of a disaster zone.
Never understood the paralyzing fear that accompanies the silence in the early hours of chaos. It brought an immediate sense of connection to a place I’ve never been. Made me watch closely as events unfolded. And what I saw humbled me. Not only did I observe unimaginable devastation that befell a country, and its people, already on their knees, but I saw something else quite extraordinary – the depths of human compassion.

I’m not talking about the flood of rescuers that descended upon Haiti in the hours after the quake – although these are vital people who reflect the best in human nature. And I’m not talking about the millions of people who pledged money for the relief effort – again, crucial people who recognize we can make a difference in a nation’s future.

I am referring to those who were there before the earthquake. The hundreds, if not thousands, of aid workers who gave of themselves to the Haitian people. I’m talking about the Yvonnes and Alices of the world. About all the medical personnel, educators, builders, police officers, diplomats and caregivers who devoted themselves to helping the poorest of the poor. I am referring to the ones who were there before the world was watching.

And this is where I began to learn.
I have always considered myself to be an aware person. A socially conscious thinker who weaves values and principles into my daily life. I believe that we are all connected, united by our humanness. That we have a shared responsibility to care for one another. And based on that perspective I give back. I donate to charity, sponsor an underprivileged child, give clothes to local organizations and food to the food-bank. I thought I had it all worked out.

But when the earthquake hit Haiti my carefully organized world cracked wide open.  Because knowing someone in that disaster zone immediately altered my perspective. It shone a glaring spotlight on the profound act of humanitarianism; reminded me that ordinary people do extraordinary things for their fellow human beings. Showed me that incredible people, like Yvonne and Alice, routinely leave the safety and security of their own worlds to offer hope and help to those less fortunate. And it made me look at myself. Made me ask, “What am I doing to make a difference?”

And I realized – I am capable of more.
You see, in all that I do to give back I suddenly recognized that I don’t actually stray outside of my comfort zone. Rarely stretch the boundaries of my existence. I give away what I don’t actually want or need. Donate what my budget doesn’t really miss. Yes, I help others. But my efforts don’t actually impact my daily life or existence. Don’t affect me, or anyone else, on a personal level. I don’t seem to fully live my beliefs.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying that giving to charity and sponsoring a child are not worthy endeavours. They are. They are essential acts that positively influence those in need. And for many of us they are a tangible way to show the generosity and compassion we have for our fellow human beings. Because we can’t all leave our families, jobs and lives to be physically present where there is need in the world.

But what I am saying is that for me, in the wake of the earthquake and the sudden death of a friend, a new reality hit home. I realized that I have the ability to offer more to the world. I have the desire, skills, time, energy and focus to be more useful. To live my beliefs close up. To make a difference.

I don’t have this all worked out yet. Don’t yet know exactly how I will make a more significant contribution. But I intend to figure it out. Whether I volunteer for local programs like Out of the Cold, or fundraise for a women’s shelter, I know I have the ability and passion to do more. And I will.

The earthquake in Haiti rocked millions of lives. But not just those in the country itself.  I had no ties to Haiti before it happened. But the death of a friend and the fear for another’s safety shook my world beyond belief. And it changed me…forever.

Filed under: Author Mary Lou