The country of Poland is experiencing a deadly deep freeze; thirty people have died, with dozens more expected overnight. The police in attempts to prevent the homeless from freezing have been canvassing the street in hopes of preventing further tragedies. The frigid weather has caused chaos amongst travelers across Europe, with the closing of airports in several countries. The travel situation seemed to be improving as of Friday, with the reopening of airports in England, Scotland, and France. However, London’s Heathrow airport has advised travelers that there would be flight cancelations and delays. Elsewhere in Europe, heavy rains have caused severe flooding along the Drina River.
It is getting to be that time of year again; I am just enjoying the fact that we do not have to contend with that kind of weather yet. With the cooling of the weather, I dread daily the coming of snow, and ice. This article has made me more aware that homelessness is not isolated to the United States, I had never thought of it as a global problem. It is not just our issue, but it is the problem of every nation. I think that perhaps we are most aware of our own homeless due to our society’s constant efforts to eradicate it from our society.
That is a lot of people dying from the cold weather. At least the police are attempting to get all the homeless people off the street to hopefully prevent more deaths. That is just crazy.
ReplyDeleteHow tragic; I can't fathom such sadness.
ReplyDeleteEach winter, my thoughts extend to those who have no place to live; my heart lifted in earnest that there are enough places of shelter for those who have none.
We take too much for granted; all of us.
The wretched ice storm we had a few years ago was SUCH an eye opening experience for many people. We were blessed; only without power for three days. Many people suffered without power three WEEKS.
That storm changed me; changed my "standard" of what IS and ISN'T really "cold", too. I don't like the furnace set as warm; it seems wasteful. In fact, if my (retired) mother didn't live in an apartment in the back of my house...and my furnace responsible to blow it's warming air clear back there...I'd shave at least two or three more degrees off the thermostat.
We complain WAY too quickly about how cold it is; how uncomfortable we are. I hear my own voice doing that; my heart convicts me of my selfishness.
At my worst, I am blessed and well provided for.
I don't make my bed on the street; nor have my children in tow as I do so.
Thank you for this reminder that many DO.
Perhaps, especially as we approach the holidays, instead of being so focused on what shiny new gadgets we can pass around, our money could be better spent giving to those who really ARE in need/want.
Merry Christmas.