Skip to main content

Learning from tragedy

Super typhoon Haiyan teaches me a few things. They make up the highlights of my week -

Realization that it could happen to anyone. Not that I welcome something terrible, but it's better to be prepared for an eventuality the best way possible.

A keener sense of gratitude for the fact that my family is all right and no one I know is hurt. Two years ago we went to this island for a reunion. I cherish the memories now more than ever.


Appreciation for things usually taken for granted. I barely noticed these skies above our rental resort until I had to watch the Haiyan destruction -

Skywatch: the family reunion sky

Urgency to help. It's probably due to awareness of issues around donations or charity work that I tend to find out a few details first before I get involved. This time I extend whatever I can without question. I'll give give give - just spare my loved ones.

Giving up some comfort for a time; deliberately not hanging out in places like this -

Mellow Yellows: TWG tea can

I love my high teas. But in the wake of Haiyan, sitting in posh chairs sipping from china is a weekend routine I decide to refrain from doing for now. A little weaning won't kill.  I'm thankful for the lessons.

Monday Blues: the blue swan cup

Comments

  1. A wonderful reflection. Truly inspirational! Wishing you well and thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hazel, what a beautiful post of thanksgiving for the awakening in your heart of just how tragedy such as Hayian can touch down anywhere...and how sensitive it has made you to the needs of others. I've enjoyed being here today.

    ReplyDelete
  3. thanks for sharing these reflections. it's on my mind, too: the beauty of skies, and the pain skies can bring, like with Hayian

    ReplyDelete
  4. Very well said. It's sad that it sometimes takes a tragedy for us to realize just how blessed we are.

    ReplyDelete
  5. So very true. A lovely post.

    ReplyDelete
  6. You're beautiful, thoughtful and kind.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Such awful devastation! So glad that your loved ones are safe. I'm praying for those who were affected. We're hoping to have a benefit here on the island for them.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Wonderful post. It is good to let these things soak into our lives and affect our thoughts and actions rather than just letting them pass by on the news.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I'm so glad your family is safe. I thought about you when I heard about the storm in The Philippines knowing you have family there.

    It's true that we tend to take everything for granted until something jerks us into awareness.

    ReplyDelete
  10. What an ambrosia it must be, a nice cup of that tea... What an inspired reflection !

    ReplyDelete
  11. Great shot and glad you all are safe ~ Nature can be rather dangerous to say the least ~ be well and safe and thanks for 'visiting' ~ carol, xxx

    ReplyDelete
  12. So glad you and you family are safe. You speak with such wisdom. Here's hoping you will be able to enjoy your weekend tea again in peace and safety soon.

    ReplyDelete
  13. You're right. Tragedy may give us important lessons.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Dearest Hazel
    Written so well, with feeling... So glad you and your family and friends are all safe.
    Hugs Wren x

    ReplyDelete
  15. What a sweet outlook. So glad you are safe, as well as your family and friends.
    Happy Blue Monday.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Hello Hazel,

    You summed it up nicely.

    Thanks for sharing your blue cup.

    Happy Blue Monday!

    ReplyDelete
  17. You are exactly right, you never know what will strike or happen to you. The weather has really been crazy all over this year. I am truly thankful I go thorough another day safely and well.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Great post and photos. Pretty box of tea too. :) Have a wonderful week.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

They're just breasts

What is it about men and nudity? Particularly breasts... How can you be so interested in them? I mean seriously: they're just breasts. Every second person has them. They're odd looking, they're for milk from your mother. What's all the fuss about? In case you were wondering... that was Anna Scott (Julia Roberts) talking to William (Hugh Grant) the morning after they slept together. Notting Hill has been awhile. So have breasts. But not these features of the Woman and Child gallery at the Bangkok Arts and Culture Centre. They are fairly recent. That's My World Tuesday is brought to you by the MyWorld team Klaus Sandy Wren Fishing Guy Sylvia

That time of year

Musical Monday: God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, EHSS Scroll down for Monday Mayhem Right. Good-looking. Talented. Cute. And I'm supposed to believe life is fair? *Kidding* Take note of the final score - powerful thoracic diaphragms belting on. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Ernie Haase & Signature Sound. Amanda @ Bloggin with Amanda hosts Musical Monday XmasDolly of XmasDolly , Lori of Shewbridges of Central Florida , Larry of Cakeblast , and Callie of JAmerican Spice host Monday's Music Moves Me Denise @ Run DMT hosts Music Monday Blog Hop ************************ Monday Mayhem: The Return of Lola's Holiday Meme 1. What is your favorite holiday show/animated show? I know there are so many out there, but my life is riddled with work right now. It also is no help that this country I am in does not recognize Christmas except for commercial purposes. 2. What holiday character do you think you're most like? - pass- 3. What holiday character does your spouse think yo...

Walking by

Skywatch : west side of Taj Mahal Sally's Blues /  Reflections : by the blue lotus pond Fave Five: Living to  Tell the Story   /   Shine the Divine October has been very eventful. Stress and joys, adventures and challenges, you name it. It's wonderful to have the chance to express gratefulness for making it through this final week of a beautiful month. i. Surviving a task at work on finance/statistics: not my expertise but I did it. ii. Another world landmark off the bucket list. Taj Mahal is quite a love monument. iii. Angel friends : geographically distant (Canada) but willing to stick it out in their iphones the whole night to give emotional support. iv.  Kiddo in church with minimal adult supervision. The singing ministry does him good.   v. Mom's back at home after fighting off inflammation of the lungs and heart successfully. Now I can breathe.