To the Bahamas with love

by Olecia Christie

"The smell of death is everywhere." 

[Source: CNN ]

Such a hopeless statement—hopeless and heartbreaking. Yet, in the darkest of times, hope would make its way in the form of hands and hearts to restore healing to an island we have all come to know and love.

It wasn't long before we all knew Dorian was a real and dangerous threat. Still, we weren't quite prepared for the impact it would have on the Bahamas. As a fellow islander, we take hurricane warnings seriously, but with a healthy balance of "we will survive." Unfortunately, thousands of Bahamians did not survive. 

A slew of firefighters with trained rescue animals are meticulously combing through the rubble to distinguish debris from human remains. "You're not finding a person just yet; you're finding their scent," says Mark Pullen, leader of the Canadian based firefighter rescue team. [Source: Buzzfeed]

This all echoes the somber finality of death; man reduced to nothing but rotting flesh. Still, it seems unfair, unkind almost, that these islanders missed their shot at survival, having survived many personal, real-life storms of their own. 

Today, the death toll stands at 56 and is expected to rise sharply, with more than 600 still missing. It's so easy for us to forget. We are conditioned to move on sooner than our better sensibilities dictate. Partly because of social conditioning, partly because we are fighting our own battles.

There are two ways you can help the Bahamas; you can donate, and you can book a trip to the island. I know this sounds crazy, but the Bahamian economy thrives on tourism. This is a sure way to reinvigorate the island's economy so they can help those in need. 

I have personally donated through the Grand Bahama Disaster Relief Fund. They are accepting both donations and supplies. Let's put the best of humanity to work by giving to those desperately in need. 

Can't afford to donate? Send a postcard with some kind words to the National Emergency Management Agency in the Bahamas and be sure to address it as "To the Bahamas with love." 

Walk good, my friends.