Touches of humanity provide the light in our darkest times

Whether man-made (such as 9/11) or wrought by nature, disasters have two things in common; they bring neighbors closer together in a humane desire to help one another, and they put the small, day-to-day troubles in a new perspective.

This past week, in my area of powerless Hotchkiss Grove in Branford, I haven’t heard even a murmur about the stock market, unemployment or the economy.

In an all-electric house where even my cell phone refused to operate, I would have felt isolated, indeed, but for neighbors with the foresight to have gas grills or stoves, who brought over tea, soup, scrambled eggs and more.

I was able to make some business calls for clients from my desk at Pearce Plus Senior Services in North Haven, which had power. I was so impressed by the outstanding efforts of many of the senior retirement communities and other local business people who worked around the clock to provide services despite difficulties and disruptions.

Of course, the major difference between a disaster caused by Mother Nature and a man-made act of terrorism, is the later, being intentional, is beyond comprehension and especially cruel. While Val and I did not lose any close friends in the 9/11 disaster, witnessing the unthinkable as we watched the fall of those two spectacular buildings on television, was an intense personal moment for both of us.

We had each formerly worked for companies with offices in the twin towers; Val on the 83rd floor of one tower and myself on a high floor of the other building. We both could vividly recall the breathtaking views from the Windows on the World restaurant on the uppermost floor.

The heroic acts of that day are now part of the legend of 9/11, recorded for history in film, books and a still incomplete, memorial and museum.

I am sure there will be stories of heroes that will continue to emerge after the effects of Irene are cleared away and forgotten. My heart goes out to the people in the towns of upstate New York and Vermont where so much suffering and major damage occurred.

While I was thankful to suffer only minor inconveniences for a few days, I did wonder why CL&P, in a display of incredibly poor public relations, chose this moment to discuss the need for possible rate increases. It was not information anyone needed to hear at this point in time.

I am also starting to hear some strident voices of certain politicians and others who would use tragedy as a punishment from God for any law they happen to disagree with, be it gays in the military or expanded health care. They claim they want us to unite in prayer, but their agenda is actually divisive and self-serving.

Meanwhile, I am making every effort to follow the recommendation in the framed poster over my desk, a copy of one popular in London during the war years. It reads, “KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON.” Good advice for all of us, no matter what the situation.

- Article by Jean Cherni, founder of the retirement advisory service, Senior Living Solutions. Contact her at jeancherni@sbcglobal.net or 15 The Ponds at Hotchkiss Grove, Branford 06405.

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