PERSPECTIVE DOESN’T DIMINISH challenges in life. Rather, perspective helps one to assess, to consider, to reshape thoughts.
On Thursday, the word “perspective” edged to the top of my mind upon learning about the collapse of a 12-story residential building in Surfside, Florida. Suddenly what Randy and I experienced this week doesn’t seem all that bad. Minor, really, in comparison to the loss of life and home in Florida.
As I write this, four people are confirmed dead with 159 missing. And then there are the injured and those who are now without a home. It’s a lot of loss. A lot of grief and pain and heartache and stress beyond comprehension.
When I view the rubble of the high-rise, I think of the fallen World Trade Center towers and of the I-35 bridge collapse. The visuals from Florida imprint the immensity of the catastrophe. Media reports, especially interviews with loved ones of the missing, cause an emotional reaction which leaves me in tears, feeling deeply saddened. My heart breaks at the humanity of it all—the deaths of loved ones in such a sudden and awful way.
As six industrial-sized fans and a dehumidifier roar in our basement, I focus on perspective. I see those media reports featuring search and rescue teams, eye witnesses, family members, government officials and others at the site of the Florida tragedy. I also hear the repeated word, “hope.” Hope rises, even when it seems futile.
But, like perspective and resilience, we need hope. Especially now in Florida.
© Copyright 2021 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Yes, we need hope! Thank you for calling to attention the way in which HOPE rises from the rubble and sustains us. When we think all hope is gone, I am reminded of the hymn, “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus love and righteousness.” I hope the families and friends of those lost in the collapse of the condos/apartments in Florida find comfort in their faith and the assurance of life everlasting! My prayers go out to them. ❤
Thank you, Jan, for your prayers of behalf of the people in Florida and also for reinforcing the word hope as it connects to faith.
❤
I thought about I35 bridge also when I watched the video clip. Sad. Carpe Diem!
I expect many Minnesotans thought the same as we remembered the I-35 bridge collapse.
I cannot wrap my head around this – just going about your life and something like this happens. It is scary and sad and all kinds of emotions. We are in that you know what season too and have one on the horizon as of yesterday. July 1st and on the letter “E” already. Prayers, support, care, love, hugs . . .
Oh, Renee, I can’t imagine dealing with the ongoing threat of tropical storms and hurricanes. Stay safe, my friend.
We are through the worst of last week’s “storm” and now on the side of damage assessment and insurance claims. But nothing, really, in comparison to what so many others are facing, especially in Florida and elsewhere across the U.S.
Glad to hear you are doing well and on the other side. All you can do is prepare and stay safe. Take Care
Our situation was not caused by a natural disaster, but rather a man-made one (due to contractor error). So, yeah, nothing we could do to prevent it. But you are correct in stating that preparation is the best you can do to ready for nature’s storms/bad weather.