It’s no secret that our communities are hurting, given the recent national tragedies that have befallen us. Our hearts go out to those affected by these terrible events. I’m reminded of words from the lovable Mister Rogers, a quote that always seems to circulate on social media in times of crisis: “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’”
And that’s exactly what we’ve seen in Southeast Texas after Hurricane Harvey, in Florida and the U.S territories of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands after Hurricane Irma, and most recently, in Las Vegas, after the devastating violence that occurred last week. Time and time again, communities continue to come together to support one another during a time of great hardship and heartbreak.
Once the storms have passed and the sun rises after a traumatic event, people are still in need of compassion and emotional support. It is imperative that we, their communities, surround them with love and empathy and sit with them, physically and emotionally, during their time of healing.
Author Kristin Schell has made it her mission to foster community across the country. As founder of the Turquoise Table and Front Yard People movement, Kristin encourages people to open their lives and homes to others. We at Hand to Hold could not envision a more appropriate special guest for our 4th Annual Baby Shower Luncheon, as Kristin will surely have some sage words to share with us on the importance of community in good times and bad.
In order for our communities to heal, we must know our neighbors. Here at Hand to Hold, we are here for parents not just for today, not just for tomorrow, but for the long term. When the rest of the world seems to have resumed, we will continue to sit by your side.