Independence Day comes quickly to mind in July. This year I wonder, “Independent from what?” Violence? 2024 campaign previews? Climate disasters? Their bad behavior? Our bad attitudes? It seems to me that our interdependence would really be something to celebrate.
Greensboro’s Funky Fourth forgoes the fireworks in favor of a community picnic after the parade, which is never on July 4. Fireworks are not environmentally friendly. This year, torrential rains followed the fourth, flooding buildings and washing out roads. People are reaching out to friends and neighbors and showing up with water pumps, muck boots, shovels, and masks.
I am safe and sound in Shelburne, tuned in to Vermont Public for emergency response news from around the state. I was heartened the other day when several listeners called in to ask people to help, not just in this emergency but all the time. If we want to be free, everyone has to pitch in.
I am overwhelmed by the number of people who have reached out to me to see if I am OK after last week’s storms—and this week’s environmental encores. One of them works for the American Red Cross. Michelle lives in Maine and is amazing. She has an administrative job but is actively helping to put boots on the ground where they are most needed while encouraging people who can support their heroic work to do so.
Another friend, Tom, works for The Nature Conservancy in Vermont. He is a first responder in addition to his day job. He put in an 18-hour day rescuing people and then went to work—and checked in with me by email. He offered to help my family and neighbors in Greensboro, where the roads are washed out.
My feet are acting up again, and I am getting daily rides from my cottage to the Community Center for mail and a meal. A young man has been ferrying me for the last three days. He recently moved to Vermont from Arkansas. The weather (heat, humidity, rain, and wildfire smoke) gave us a reprieve yesterday. Paul mentioned that he could sit all day on a porch and take in the beauty of nature. I explained that porching is a verb in Vermont. We had a good giggle about Patricia and Paul porching to give my paws a break.
Everyone goes through hard times, and many are suffering catastrophic loss right now. Reach out to your neighbors and strangers. May you discover what we have in common and the unique gifts we each have to give.