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The Beginning of Recovery It feels as though it has been months, but in reality only two weeks and a few days have passed since we were together at a meeting. We were preparing for what was expected to be a very rainy weekend. Who doesn't like a good rainy weekend sometimes, when you can curl up with a good book, gather the family around to play a game, enjoy time for an indoor hobby, or take an afternoon nap? Things changed rapidly, and here we are two weeks and a few days later, dazed still, feeling confused just trying to name the day of the week. Everyone is in a recovery mode, the degree of which is the only difference. Rotarians immediately stepped up to do what we do best - serve others in need. You were spotted everywhere in this community - problem-solving and working to get services and businesses operational again, serving in food lines, gathering supplies, unloading trucks, opening your home to others needing a bed or a warm meal, helping a friend or a neighbor who had to literally tear their own home apart. And just being there to wipe the tears or try to lift the spirits of those who needed it. We don't have photos of you working in the community centers, churches, city offices, refineries, and schools. We have some of people working in homes. There are a few here, and we will show more at the meeting. Whether your image is in a photo is immaterial; it was a gift you gave to others, and it was not unnoticed or appreciated. You should also know that several Rotary Clubs from across the United States have reached out to us to offer help and support - from Pennsylvania, Georgia, Florida, Ohio, Indiana, and Beaumont, California! Some have phoned, some have sent money, all have offered their concern and good wishes. On Saturday, members of the Rotary Club of Lafayette South delivered supplies and muscle to community members in need. They worked shoulder-to-shoulder with members of our club in service to our members. Last week, we were contacted by Rotarian Tina Nealy of Grapevine, TX who was moved to plan and organize a "Fill The Truck" drive. It was a community effort, driven by a Rotarian with help from her club. On Monday, they drove into Beaumont with a long, trailer full of cleaning supplies, diapers and wipes, hand sanitizer, children's toys and backpacks, and water. And because they could not find enough on the store shelves in Grapevine, they have ordered a case of face masks being shipped directly to Beaumont for distribution to those who need it. Carol Fernandez with Catholic Charities graciously accepted the supplies for distribution to areas that are still in great need, from Rotarians who care. It's been moving to witness "Rotarians as People of Action." In whatever capacity you served, you made a difference. * * * * * * * |
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