Usually, I would
use this newsletter to share with you the successes
of my business this month. After listening to
a Podcast of NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams
on my iPod this evening--while riding the bus
to downtown Seattle--I began to understand the
magnitude of the destruction to the people's lives
directly impacted by Hurricane Katrina. So, I'm
doing something different.
As you may already know, New Orleans' Mayor, Ray
Nagin, said yesterday that Hurricane Katrina has
"taken the lives of hundreds, at minimum,
but most likely thousands of people."
While listening to this quote, I started to think
about the luxuries I take for granted everyday
and realized, whether by geography or luck, just
how blessed we are living in the Pacific Northwest.
Listening to the stories of the victims of Katrina,
I am perplexed to imagine what one web designer
living in Seattle can do to positively help people
living through the aftermath of a devastating
hurricane in the South Eastern United States.
An additional story on the NBC News broadcast
covered the hurricane's direct impact on gasoline
prices around the country. Hearing that the price
of gas may climb higher than we have ever seen
in our nation's history, I realized I will probably
never afford the luxury of owning a car. At the
same time, I started to wonder how this could
be a positive.
If you live in Seattle, you know that getting
around on public transportation is not as convenient
as other metropolitan cities. To find some awareness
though, by taking the bus, and having some patience
for the duration of the commute, I wondered if
learning to depend on public transportation could
ease the struggle we are all facing. Then, when
I got off the bus, I noticed the line of people
waiting to catch the bus and began to wonder if
I was not the only person thinking on the same
wavelength.
Clearly, the aid effort to restore the quality
of life to Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama
will be arduous and costly. Knowing this, I wonder
how one person, living clear across the country,
can help.
Walking, into the nearby Starbucks above the downtown
bus tunnel, I was reminded of when I had worked
for Starbucks during 9/11. The company had set
up a system where customers could give financial
assistance through the cash register and how much
customers had shared their generosity. After asking,
the barista informed me that something was already
in the works.
It's a small part, but I want to believe that
giving up a cup of coffee and riding the bus in
exchange for giving some financial support will
make a difference. Though, however profoundly
small a contribution, it can make a difference.
Especially after 9/11, I am reminded that as a
nation we are all in this together and have to
help each other out. After all, who knows when
we, here in the Pacific Northwest, may look to
the rest of the nation for support.
I want to ask you to open your heart and share
your support, in whatever way you can, toward
the relief efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane
Katrina. If you pray, say a prayer for the families
who lost loved ones.
In the sidebar of this newsletter, I have included
links to organizations involved in the relief
effort. Thank you for taking the time to read
this newsletter.
Sincerely,
R. Jason Holland |
