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When Tears Are Not Enough

© Donna Dunn

Reeling from the horror inflicted upon my neighbours to the south, I wonder how best to support and honour them at a time of deep sorrow.

It's a huge grief, one that is shared around the world. Our tears, our thoughts and our prayers are for them, and the pain they endure. But as the world realizes the enormity of the tragedy, our tears, our thoughts and our prayers seem inadequate. And people around the world are seeking more concrete ways to express their support for the most powerful nation on earth.

But what can you give to someone who already appears to have everything it's humanly possible to give?

The American government has asked for, and already received, public expressions of support from many diverse nations in its determination to seek justice for the merciless acts of terrorism of September 11, 2001. And at the local level, according to some news reports, New York already has countless volunteers to help them cope with the tragedy. In Washington, as well, I would expect the U.S. to have already whatever it needs in its relief efforts.

It becomes easy to see how a spontaneous outpouring of assistance, however well-intentioned, could actually add to the difficulties that will need to be faced in the days ahead. It may even begin to seem that there is little I can or should do, as an individual living far away from the catastrophe, to help a great nation and a great people.

But our instinct to reach out to others in times of crisis is strong, and shouldn't be denied. In facing the immediacy of their own grief, American officials have recognized that instinct in their fellow citizens, and have suggested that Americans not living in the vicinities of the disasters focus their energies on helping non-profit organizations at their local level. And that's also thoughtful, sound advice for those of us outside of U.S. borders as well.

Although I can't help on-site, I can still use my resources in ways that I think will honour those most immediately affected by the tragedy:

• Send condolences. Whether online, or as part of a local community effort, it's important to show Americans how profoundly this tragedy has touched all of us all over the world. And it's important for all of us in the world to know how many of us stand together in our sorrow.

• Donate blood. No, they may not need my blood donation in New York or Washington, but when we act in ways that sustain human life, we defy those who do not share our reverence.

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