As 2017 and the beginning of the New Year has proved once again, Mother Nature’s wrath has no equal. The onslaught of massive hurricanes, floods, and fire have stripped tens of thousands of ordinary folks from everything they have known and owned, save for the clothes on their backs and their personal memories.
While Northern California is prone to wild fires, they usually occur in remote wilderness areas far away from densely populated areas. In the late 1990s, I witnessed the Oakland fire first-hand. It was a distant memory until the Fall Sonoma fire jarred my memory. More than 3,000 residential homes and businesses were reduced to ashes in just a few days time. Hurricanes are almost an unparalleled force. Puerto Rico was flattened almost entirely by Hurricane Maria. On top of the humanitarian crisis already without precedent, two additional hurricanes hit the gulf coast and Florida and the barrage of winter storms is creating havoc across the East and Midwest.
Now, one may ask, ‘What’s happening? Will I be the next one affected by disaster?’ Hopefully not!
It goes without saying that people will band together, lend support and begin to rebuild. They will need time, patience, money, and tools to do so. Our hats are off to the many relief organizations, agencies, and private groups that are going the extra mile to help save and change lives.
When entire buildings are destroyed, the recovery often begins with big machinery to restore and make the infrastructure operational. Eventually, smaller tools are used as individuals dig in. From a saw, a hammer, a drill, a stud finder, you’ll slowly see buildings rebuilt and lives renewed. From there, a wall, a roof, and a door appear. A new structure is born – not just any structure, but a new home to shelter a displaced family. During this rebuilding, the stakes are high because it’s not just about the DIY spirit. It’s actual survival.
Zircon, through our tools, may have had a small contribution to the rebuilding of homes and of lives. As individuals, we can and will give our support in many ways. Many of us know someone who has been personally or indirectly affected by these natural disasters, and in the end, we are all human beings. Whether it is across the sea or in a neighboring county, no matter what nature or fate throws our way, we must support one another. The world will change, but our commitment to one another cannot. Let’s rebuild together.
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