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Raj Rajaram's avatar

Anand, a heart warming story and article. You are a great writer. I hope this moves the hearts of the wealthy to start sharing their wealth with those in need, especially when the social safety net is being shredded by the current administration. I am going to do my part for the Greater Chicago Food Depository, a great organization that I have been supporting since 1994.

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Patricia Jaeger's avatar

Very thoughtful and very well written. I'd also add that we need to help others, in whatever way we can, small or large - volunteer, donate, check in a neighbor, etc. We also need to stop the "I told you so" comments, the hateful name calling and the "you voted for this" nonsense, since they accomplish nothing. Do something positive.

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Lynne's avatar

Anand, you have the long-range view of a wise elder and ancestor, like the Haundenosaunee; thinking of the ramifications of our actions out to the Seventh Generation. I love you for that and for your empathetic kindness. Your words are soul comfort.

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DuAnne Redus's avatar

What if this horrendous tragedy becomes a heart-opening event for the ‘state’ of Texas governance?

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Cheryl Juech's avatar

Thank you. This is searingly painful

. And beautiful. And true.

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Bonnie Neumeier's avatar

Thanks for writing this powerful story.

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Susan's avatar

Very worth the read, thank you. I doubt it will change minds. I wonder what will change? Who or what will change minds who don’t trust science. It’s awful when lives are lost when humans can shake mountains but not minds. I want my children, and further generations to not worry about this issues. Let’s try to take care of it now. If only people will listen.

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Barbara Epperson's avatar

Excellent, Anand. Heartbreaking, but excellent. Thank you for displaying such heartfelt compassion. Barbara Epperson, PhD

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Paula B.'s avatar

The problem is that it takes great humility and courage to admit one's mistakes, and most people don't have those or want to. And so people who cause these problems will rationalize and blame and say things like it's God's will rather than accept responsibility. If any of these people does wake up I will applaud them. Unfortunately I have my doubts about whether it will ever happen.

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Constance F's avatar

I, too, believe it is unlikely the family will recognize the part it played in this tragedy. I would love to be wrong about this.

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Lorri's avatar

As an elder and grandparent, these are the main things I think about. What can be done to make the planet a better place for all who come after us. And most especially, how to prepare for the disasters of our own making.

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Ellen M Kennell's avatar

Beautiful Anand, and I thank you for sharing. I think about my 4 beautiful great granddaughters, ages 5, 3 and just 6 months old and I can’t help but wonder what their lives will be like. I try to prayer nightly for their little lives and for those that were lost.

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MWarner's avatar

Written as only a parent could do. Thanks for saying with great sensitivity, what many of us are thinking, with regard to the (our kids) future.

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kenne's avatar

This is a 'must-share' article. Anand, thanks for writing it.

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Sara Frischer's avatar

Sadly, the storms and their effect on all of us personally are going to be felt on a regular basis. The scariest part is that if we are not going to have warnings we must live in a heightened state of alert. Which additionally isn't very good health wise. I subscribed to the Ink because of your articles. Rough topic straight from the heart

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NRumbel's avatar

Very powerful essay. Thank you.

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Linda's avatar

😢

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