"In seven days, God created the world. And in seven seconds, I shattered mine"-Seven Pounds
I don't know which visual is more devastating: the process or the aftermath of destruction.
As soon as the words "we need to call 911" frantically escaped from my mouth, a firetruck had arrived. The night sky accented the intensity of the monsterous fire. While the many firefighters diligently attempted to bring the fire to its demise, the fire still fought with a vengence. I began to cough as the level of smoke increased showing the fires' resistance to possible extinction. A combination of the smoke and the fire made it look like a tiny nuclear bomb going off. I had never seen anything like it.
I placed my head on the pillow after I believed that the fire was put out, but I could not help but feel slightly guilty that while I was about to return to dreamland, a family had just lost their home and could have lost their lives.
Gone.
The entire top story of the house was completely destroyed while the glass of the windows in the first story was shattered displaying the destruction of the first floor. As I passed the house on my way to work, I saw the family and neighbors somberly pick up the damaged pieces and place them in areas to be discarded. It was one of the saddest pictures that I have ever seen.
I was given a hug by these neighbors that I had never met after I had openly expressed my desire to help them out during this time of tragedy. The daughter was still covered in black stains from the fire. She still seemed calm even despite the shock of losing her clothes, computer, and not to mention her entire room. She smiled as she told me that her mom saved her prom and graduation dress for her and that they had just dugged out her prom earrings. Her friends were right be her side to support her.
I write this puzzled because although the destruction from the fire was deeply grave, I still could sense joy from this family when I talked with them. They lost nearly everything, yet they still had smiles on their faces. The daughter had every valid reason to not attend school today, yet she still went on with the day.
And I think to myself: would I respond with the same joy if that had happened to me?
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Tragedy is interesting. It can be very instrumental in re-setting perspective for what's most important. Sometimes that overwhelming sense of joy for "Wow, I could've died" overshadows the "Dangit, I lost my clothes." I'm glad that they were able to have some serenity in the midst of their disaster, and I pray the Lord will provide shelter, clothing, finances, etc. for them.
ReplyDeleteInteresting, also, how it almost always takes a disaster for neighbors to meet and extend themselves?