halton paramedics in haiti - real friends doing real good for real people

The past 12 days have been difficult ones for many people: for the people in Haiti - and those with family there. Some people have the skills and ability to help now (and many are doing just that), but others will be needed later so we need to be sure we don't forget.

At lunch the other day, a friend observed, 'Days fly...but years drag...' and he made a good point.  Right now, immediate medical support and supplies tops the hit parade for the folks in Haiti; but, next month...and next year...and three years from now, that need will remain as pressing. It will just be a different need.

A good friend of ours, many of his colleagues, a pastor and three brilliant doctors are on the ground at University Hospital in Port au Prince.  Another Burlington resident has kindly started a Facebook site - Halton Paramedics in Haiti - to keep family and friends up-to-date on their daily efforts.  The photos show what words can't: a mother watching a child being treated, an injured person watching those who are offering care, places that have suddenly become clinics, but were recreational spots before.  The site is open - join it and go take a look.

Another friend noted the other day that she wished she had medical training so she could go help now: I told her to hold that thought.  Now, medical skills top the list of needs, but six months and a year from now, other skills will be needed too. Teachers and engineers and builders and many other folks as Haiti is resurrected (not an accidental choice of words, might I add).  There will be something for all of us to do to keep attention on this place and to be sure we don't turn away from the need that will change but grow.

I was quite cheered to read that both The Gap and Levis maintain operations here - and that they were actively working to assist their employees.  Remember that.  Why can't Haiti replace China (I am happy to rant about China as cheap goods from China blunt development in Haiti, South America, Louisiana and Ontario - to name a few spots who could use the trade)? 

I'm equally cheered by the calm voice of Lawrence Cannon - our Foreign Affairs Minister.  His regular updates - although the news is not always good - are sincere and gentle.  I am not always a great fan of our current government (okay...rarely) but you earn respect in shifting circumstances for simply saying, 'We don't have perfect answers and where our answers are wrong, we'll fix it.'  Wouldn't it be nice if we all remembered that when we are not in the teeth of crisis.  (That is not a question...it's an observation...)

Let's all mark our calendars for one year from now - 2011.  Let's see if we remember Haiti when the benefits are done and the CNN staff have gone on to the next assignment. 

Feed the Children Canada is waiting for the ports to reopen so the can ship a container of clothers and supplies.  Canadian Physicians for Aid and Relief (CPAR), a smaller charity remains in Africa, tending to many people whose needs have become less pressing to the international community for the moment, but whose needs are pressing to them every day.

One year...mark your calendar...and don't forget in between....

Resolved...I might make...and even keep some resolutions this year

My wise and lovely friend Cynthia and I were trading notes over the holidays.  She suggested for good measure we make no resolutions this new year.

Generally, I don't...the same way I don't tend to go out New Year's Eve: first, making resolutions is like giving up chocolate for Lent - it's just going to plant the seed of yearning in your mind; second, waiting for New Year's to plan a change is the original procrastinator's dream (especially if there is no specific year attached...)

So I wouldn't qualify these as resolutions so much as intentions...and some might blossom into realities...

I am going to take more pictures...
I am going to spend more time with the delightful nieces and nephews I've been blessed with...


I am going to learn to use the new camera - and I am going to ask for help when I need it.  (MPB...Peter J.  - consider yourself warned)

Just for fun - and for salving my sanity - I am going to play more Scrabble...(Skip? Cynthia? Josee? Mark? We all good with that?)

I am going to walk more...up stairs at work and around the block with Master Shadow. 

I am going to make time to read things I want to read more frequently and with fewer interruptions.  Everything from Jeremy's postings (along with the fine links to The New York Times) to Dr. English's new book on Trudeau (Just watch me! or perhaps Just Read Me...) 

I am going to name more of the birds who hang out here to go with Tink the Woodpecker.  My mother always told me woodpeckers had voices like little bells...and when Tink started hanging out and chatting, I understood what she meant.  We'll see if he'll sit for a photo.

I am going to see more of my favourite people and simply delight in the pleasure of their company.

I am going to take more day trips with my Mother...who also fits into that category of favourite people who are good company and make good conversation.  It's not lost on me that not everyone is fortunate enough to come to a point where parents become trusted friends so I am going to take advantage of this good fortune. Also, I am going to get that woman to Montreal.

I am going to go visit Toronto more often...and I AM going to Louise's pub.

I might just be brave enough to make jam (or jelly this year...)  Jasmine will help, I know, and she won't even point and laugh.

I am going to learn to let go of the little things more often and with a flourish.

If the jam goes well, we'll discuss the banjo possibility.

I am going to take Mike's advice and concentrate more on the students who bring me joy rather than the occasional runyons who cause me grief.  There are many students who bring me joy...and I am going to tell them that more often.

A history course might be fun....

Squash might come up nicely around the rocks at the front...

The Sunday New York Times...at least every second Sunday.  Coffee from Cafe du Monde to go with it.

I am going to write more personal notes and letters.

I plan to continue believing in magic...and enjoying it when it happens.

I am going to keep talking to strangers - even if it's just in passing - and smiling at people to see what happens.  Usually, they smile back.  Often, it becomes contagious.

I am going to enjoy occasional Bejeweled Marathons...Trailer Park Boys...Two and Half Men and Saturdays at the pub without feeling guilty about the joy of leisure or laughter.  Both are good for the brain and the heart.

I am going to revel in the Year of the Tiger starting in February...because a Leo born in the Year of the Tiger will never get a better chance to teach the world to purr.

So there!