Happy New Year and New Decade!
The year 2019 was a tumultuous year for many of us but I’m sure no one was prepared for the catastrophe that Hurricane Dorian left in its wake after rummaging through The Bahamas. During the last week of my summer break, I had an opportunity to work with a news station for a week, not knowing that I would witness one of the most severe storms to ever hit The Bahamas. The stories that came in were heartbreaking, from people searching for missing relatives that they had not heard from to others sending messages that they were stuck in buildings with the water rising and needed to be rescued. This year was truly a difficult one for Bahamians. As we rebuild after the catastrophic storm, here are some lessons from Hurricane Dorian.
1. Everything could be gone in the blink of an eye: While summer was nearing an end and students were preparing to go back to school, Bahamians got the news that a catastrophic storm was about to hit two major islands in the archipelago. On September 3, things changed for many Bahamians as Hurricane Dorian set its eyes on the shores of The Bahamas. Some lost their lives or lost someone close to them and many others lost their homes and possessions. Sometimes we neglect the presence of our loved ones who are actually with us because we’re so attached to material things such as our cell phones or laptops. Hurricane Dorian taught us that everything could be gone in the blink of an eye so enjoy the people in your life while they’re still with you and detach from material things. Things can be replaced but people can’t. Appreciate the people you have in your life and let them know how much you love them before it’s too late.
2. In difficult times our resilience is seen: It is without a doubt that the Dorian survivors faced serious trials after the hurricane. However, Bahamian and Caribbean people at large are resilient. Trials come to make us strong. When the going gets tough is when your resilience is truly tested. You may have experienced a trial in 2019 but the fact that you’re still here standing and working towards your goal highlights your resilience. Don’t let the trials of 2019 stop you from going after what you want in 2020. Use that trial to fuel your passion and make you stronger.
3. We are stronger together: Im sure you’ve heard this many times before but it’s true that no man is an island and so much more can be done when we work together to help each other. Bahamians near and far came together to assist in relief efforts for survivors of Hurricane Dorian. Bahamian students who were off to school hosted fundraisers to assist their country and locally, Bahamians volunteered with Hands for Hunger, HeadKnowles and World Central Kitchen. The true meaning of what it means to be a Bahamian was seen during this trying time. We are definitely #BahamasStrong.
Hurricane Dorian will go down in history as the worst storm to hit The Bahamas. Despite the challenges that we will continue to face, we must remember that everything could be gone in the blink of an eye so we must appreciate our loved ones today, during difficult times our resilience is tested and we are definitely stronger together.
Schar's Mind 