Hurricane Dean – the cleanup
August 24, 2007 by Marguerite Orane
Filed under Accept
I have often marvelled at the positive effects of a hurricane – the good side of what is considered an economic, social and natural disaster. The involuntary pruning of trees and plants seem to make them spring back more vigorously, and you can be sure that the next bearing of crops will be profuse. The buffeting of the trees by the wind aerates the root system, allowing water to flood through to the very tips. Bracing against the wind, the trees get stronger – like we do when we engage in intense physical exercise. As I wandered through my back garden immediately after the hurricane had passed, I noted that even though branches and limbs had broken off, blossoms on the mango trees were still intact, and the flowers on my delicate impatiens were still blooming! It seems that even plants understand the importance of protecting the young, losing leaves and fruit before blossoms and flowers!
Socially, hurricanes, like most “natural” disasters, bring people together. During the hurricane, families played games, talked, and were gentle with each other – unimpeded by television, radio and other types of technology. Neighbours, some meeting for the first time, helped each other prepare, and after the storm effected repairs, shared coffee, ice, and other necessities with each other. Last night, as I stood waiting in Island Grill, my family’s favourite quick service restaurant, I noticed that no-one complained about the absence of some menu items. No one grumbled about the long time to process their order. We all waited patiently and with understanding. Today, I observed that although most of the traffic lights were not working there were few traffic jams as motorists easily merged into and through the intersection sans honking horns, dirty looks and obscene gestures.
And then there is the clean up – I emptied my refrigerator last night, making it ready for the return of the public power supply. I have vowed NEVER to overstock my fridge again! I threw away too much food – items I had forgotten that I had! My yard will be cleared by the end of the week. The roads and gullies have been cleared as pre-hurricane debris, garbage and other refuse discarded and laid to waste on the roadways and in open lots has been washed away. The detritus left by the hurricane will soon be removed to the dump. Kingston really is clean!
Why does it take a natural disaster to bring about these positive effects? For surely they are within our grasp on a daily basis, as a normal part of our lives. Perhaps that’s the point and the true meaning of a disaster – to remind us of what’s really important, to remind us that we live in a perfectly ordered universe – if we only step back a bit. Just look at the attached photo of Hurricane Dean from space – what a beauty!
PS: this musing is not in any way meant to belittle the suffering and pain of those who were hurt emotionally or physically by this and any other natural disaster. What it is meant to do is open a different view of life in our universe
