Remember those silly pictures years back where you had to spot Waldo amongst a multitude of faces? Friday, that goofy game title became a terrifying thought as I watched the live reports of the horrible fire that destroyed a treasured landmark in Kansas City’s Waldo neighborhood and injured five firefighters. Fires are common in a big city, and only a couple of weeks ago I shared my impressions about the large explosion in the East Bottoms area. Fortunately, no one was injured in that one, and the chemical company will bounce back.
This Waldo fire seemed much more personal. First, people were hurt. Besides that, this was no isolated company in an industrial area, but an historic stucco building dating back to the 1920′s where people have eaten, lived, worked and been entertained for generations. As are many metro residents, I am very fond of the Waldo area. Cheryl and I had enjoyed many of the shops and restaurants for years, including the fine French pastries at Cafe Apanaire, one of the casualities.
Saturday, I happened to be near the neighborhood anyway and found myself sitting for a few moments in the drugstore parking lot across the street. 75th Street is still closed. People gathered in groups, talking and looking on in shocked disbelief. I thought of the many people affected by events like this, not just many of us who have found memories, but the workers wondering about how this affects their employment, or the building and business owners who, even if fully insured, will have their lives disrupted for a long time to come. I thought about the courageous character of the folks at the bridal shop, Gown Gallery, who, even before the fire was under control, were on the phones contacting customers and even arranging for the overnight delivery of a gown from a New York designer for a Saturday wedding.
Not long ago I watched a Florida church set up chairs on top of rubble for Sunday services after their building was demolished in a tornado. And, who can forget the devastation Hurricane Katrina wrought on New Orleans, a major American city that will never again be just the same. Events like these force us to order our priorities. We get very attached to stuff, don’t we?
Here’s what I’m asking myself. In case of unexpected tragedy, fire, hurricane, tornado or what have you, how would I respond? Can I prepare myself mentally against that eventuality so that even in grief I would have a practiced mental path to follow? Are there records I should keep in a safe place or all together? While living in a civil war many years ago, Cheryl and I had a box of important papers and other irreplaceable items that we could throw in the car if forced to make a getaway. What can be replaced and what cannot? And, even if we lost every thing we had, what are those things that no one could ever take from us and no tragedy could ever touch? Those are the things for which we should thank God! What do you think?
Where’s Waldo?
This Waldo fire seemed much more personal. First, people were hurt. Besides that, this was no isolated company in an industrial area, but an historic stucco building dating back to the 1920′s where people have eaten, lived, worked and been entertained for generations. As are many metro residents, I am very fond of the Waldo area. Cheryl and I had enjoyed many of the shops and restaurants for years, including the fine French pastries at Cafe Apanaire, one of the casualities.
Saturday, I happened to be near the neighborhood anyway and found myself sitting for a few moments in the drugstore parking lot across the street. 75th Street is still closed. People gathered in groups, talking and looking on in shocked disbelief. I thought of the many people affected by events like this, not just many of us who have found memories, but the workers wondering about how this affects their employment, or the building and business owners who, even if fully insured, will have their lives disrupted for a long time to come. I thought about the courageous character of the folks at the bridal shop, Gown Gallery, who, even before the fire was under control, were on the phones contacting customers and even arranging for the overnight delivery of a gown from a New York designer for a Saturday wedding.
Not long ago I watched a Florida church set up chairs on top of rubble for Sunday services after their building was demolished in a tornado. And, who can forget the devastation Hurricane Katrina wrought on New Orleans, a major American city that will never again be just the same. Events like these force us to order our priorities. We get very attached to stuff, don’t we?
Here’s what I’m asking myself. In case of unexpected tragedy, fire, hurricane, tornado or what have you, how would I respond? Can I prepare myself mentally against that eventuality so that even in grief I would have a practiced mental path to follow? Are there records I should keep in a safe place or all together? While living in a civil war many years ago, Cheryl and I had a box of important papers and other irreplaceable items that we could throw in the car if forced to make a getaway. What can be replaced and what cannot? And, even if we lost every thing we had, what are those things that no one could ever take from us and no tragedy could ever touch? Those are the things for which we should thank God! What do you think?