tragedy & terror

[Rachel Bolton]

Hello All,

Like everyone else in North America and perhaps around the world, I spent
most of the day glued to the closest form of media.  My office building
holds about 20 small businesses, one who has a television set.  We all
gathered this morning to watch the initial coverage and I was astounded in
watching the grief that every one of us experienced.  The violence that took
place is over 3000 kilometers away, and yet it hit home as though it had
happened in our own back yard.

As the day progressed, I was also astounded by the way our community came
together (both my office community and the city of Calgary).  As seems the
case more often than not, it has taken a great tragedy to bring people
together.  I wanted to take a moment to share some of the truly great acts
that have been initiated as a result of these terrorist activities.  Perhaps
to shed a little warmth on the situation, but also to stimulate everyone's
thinking on what we can do as individuals to help a little.  Both now in
this tragedy and long-term into the future.

As a business community, my office building organized a blood drive for
tomorrow.  We do not know if it will be needed now, but each unit of blood
donated can save up to four lives.  It is a completely selfless act and you
never know how much help you can be.

Calgary was scheduled to open a new homeless shelter (dubbed affectionately
in it's elegance and grandeur, the "homeless Hilton") in a few weeks.
Workers scrambled today to make it ready to receive any stranded travelers
that couldn't find accommodations elsewhere.  600 people are expected to
spend the night there tonight, and perhaps several more as this tragedy
plays itself out.  Many Calgarians have also lined up to open their doors to
complete strangers should the need arise.

Many comminutes are gathering in prayer, holding their own space as best
they know how.

I'm sure these kinds of acts are happening all over the continent.  But with
all of the grief expressed here today, I thought it appropriate to take a
moment to grasp at the good too.  Perhaps this tragedy will be the one to
make people realize that we all need to come together as a global community
and hold space for each other forever, not just when chaos rears it's
sometimes ugly head.

Like many of you I said a very big prayer and opened space for peace, love,
and calm in the wake of this storm.  I will continue to hold that space and
will, of course, be an active participant on the 21st.

My thoughts and prayers continue to go out to those affected by this
tragedy.

Love and light,
Rachel Bolton

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