For as long as I can remember, the United States has been hit by roughly one hurricane a year, sometimes two. But, this year we are facing three massive ones all in the South-Eastern U.S. and a bit of the Southwest. It brings back memories of what I witnessed from afar of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. I believe we as a country are now responding better to this monumental multi-layered natural disaster.

I still have those I care about in the paths of two hurricanes and they have made it through the last one intact thankfully. Even the ones safe already from the last hurricane I worry about, as I worry for those friends in the path of Hurricane Irma heading for our coasts and then Hurricane Jose.

Even if both hurricanes hit Maine, they will have been weakened significantly by that time, unlike what is facing those I care about now. Anyone that knows me will tell you I hate the waiting game, which is what I am forced to play right now. I see all these calls for charitable donations and I have nothing to spare in the form of money or materials to give. But I have my words and I will use them to do what I can to help.

It encourages me seeing the charities spring up so quickly and knowing that even as I am not a fan of our President, he has already declared a state of emergency. One of the few times I am in agreement with him.

I see people who would normally not give each other the time of day working together and it gives me hope for the future. This might be the start of us mending our differences, although there are some people who will always be in disagreement even when they are united.

During Hurricane Harvey, I heard that people were taking their personal boats down to Texas to help. I read about the Governor of Louisiana pledging help to Texas, even as his own state was faced with Harvey. Other people have made T-shirt campaigns to raise money for Texas, and others have outright asked for the money or linked people to the American Red Cross so they can donate.

I know someone who is thinking of quitting his job and going to Texas to help with the recovery efforts for a year or so. Luckily, Hurricane Irma lost strength quickly once making landfall, though it still left a lot of damage in its wake and flooded many places. So there is still a lot of cleanup left to do in Irma and Harvey’s wake.

People can help by donating at loveforhouston.com and at redcross.org. Both organizations help with relief from the hurricanes. Any little bit people can do to help is appreciated. This is some of the worst devastation from mother nature in the history of the United States. I am still trying to take it all in myself, as I am sure others are as well. I pray everyone is safe out there that has been in the storm’s path. Be safe everyone and be good to each other.

*Tips his hat and walks out the door*.