A Shout Out to Carl and Mrs. V.

I don't feel I'm particularly unique or smart or all too talented but I'm not too dumb, I'm good at some things, and you didn't pass 20 of me on the way to work this morning. Furthermore, I DO have a combination of experiences that are definitely unique to me. This being the case, I feel I have some sort of perspective that I can lend to society (in one form or another) and not only does it have a voice-- it has undeniable value. Therefore, presenting what I have learned from my set of experiences is a worthwhile endeavor.


I have had the opportunity to volunteer concerning the tornado disaster in my area with three different organizations. I gave out tetanus shots with one organization, provided general medical assistance with another, and general laboring with another. After the tornado hit, I was anxious to use my semi newly-acquired nursing skills to help the victims. After all, I did not become a nurse to get a paycheck. I threw on my scrubs and stethoscope and got to it in Cordova, Alabama. Later, I donned scrubs once again to go to Shoals Creek, Alabama with a hospital crew. [I got hit in the head twice!! OK. One was my own fault.... darn fence wire!! I'll fight back!] This brings me to the third organization: Mormon Helping Hands.


I have participated in Mormon Helping Hands in Louisiana when Hurricane Katrina hit. This time the disaster was much closer to home and affected me much more directly. On Highway 22, where I have focused the majority of my relief efforts, 22 people died. Such detrimental losses have been experienced, BUT their hearts are not broken. I met Carl and Mrs. V who lost their home and friends, but somehow survived the storm in a rickety old storage unit as they watched their trailer be wrung out like a rag and dumped upside down before their very eyes. How grateful am I that I met Carl and Mrs. V! I have learned so much from their compassion, attitudes, and their testimony. Their strength in the face of this horrific event is simply inspirational. When I met Carl and Mrs. V, they were sleeping with no roof over their heads on a mattress they salvaged by a fire in a place called "the backyard." (Its not the back of anything now.)  Providing service to them has been such a pleasure and such an overwhelmingly positive experience that I could not imagine a better way to spend my Saturdays. 


By providing aid, I have learned how to receive help when I need it. (In my mind I deem myself as "independent" and "not needing help... ever.") I have seen how to face any and every day with hope and gratitude and humility. Accepting help doesn't mean you're a weak human being. It doesn't mean you've failed, and it doesn't mean you're not good enough. It DOES mean you are human. It means you can let go of your pride and that part of yourself that promotes 100% independence 100% of the time. These concepts are what I have learned from volunteering with Mormon Helping Hands and I would trade 1 MILLION Six Flags trips for it. ;)




                                   .........you know how much I like Seis Banderas, don't you?