When I had the idea of what I would write for this month’s
blog post, I had recently come out of the hurricane Irma experience. Let’s just
say there were two weeks during the month of September that were very stressful.
Between the build-up of the approaching storm and the high panic level, and
then the actual storm and the power outages afterward, I couldn’t really tell
you where the time went.
But since the massive event, other catastrophes have taken
place. Another hurricane devastated Puerto Rico. And then, the shooting in Las
Vegas. With a little time and space, what we went through in Florida has given us a breather and time to see that some people had it far worse than us.
So I had to rethink my topic. Then I
remembered a friend once asking me why I write romance. My answer then, and
still today, is that I believe love is the greatest gift of all. I especially
love writing for Heartwarming, because we get to place characters in situations
that seem impossible to rise above, yet they do, with a lot of character
growth, inner retrospection and lots and lots of love. Just like real life. And for those going through hard times, reading a romance novel can be a much needed escape.
Before and after the storm, I experienced the giving spirit
that truly shines in people. Yes, there are terrible, awful people in the
world. But I came away from the Irma experience with renewed hope in mankind.
Here’s why.
1. People are awesome.
Even before the storm when the stores were crowded, people
were talkative and friendly, despite the fear. I’ve never had as many positive
conversations in the grocery store as I did that week. “We’ll get through
this.” “We’re in this together.”
2. People are kind-hearted.
After the storm, we saw neighbors helping others cut down
trees and clean up damage. While we were much calmer in the aftermath, the
conversations in the stores still continued. “How did you do?” “Everyone okay?”
“Do you need any help?”
Watching clips from the shooting in Las Vegas, I saw people
rise above the fear to help others. The sense of unity in an emergency is
universal. If we love people, we can’t help but get involved to make sure
others get through the worst of times.
3. People are helpful.
In my city, people were helping others clean up and then
attending to folks who still didn’t have power. While there are always stories
of thefts and scams after a major weather event like this, I saw the vast
majority of people looking out for others, those they knew, those they didn’t,
who now became good friends.
4. People are generous.
Once the storm passed, there were plenty of people who still
needed bottled water. I had bought extra, so we gave the cases away to those
who had to boil water or still didn’t have power. Many others gave food and
even monetary donations to help those who had been impacted by the storm, first
here, then in Puerto Rico. The giving spirit showed no bounds.
I read this story a few days after the storm. As a reader
and writer, this touched my heart.
A teacher at a local middle school came back to her
classroom once the school had cleaned up after being used as an evacuation
center. She teaches reading to kids who have difficulty or little interest in
books. The white bookshelf in her room, filled with books the students loved,
many of them signed by the authors, were gone. Completely gone. To say she was
upset and disappointed is an understatement, but she told her students, “I
guess the people who took the books needed them more than we did.”
Once word got out, YA authors offered to send copies of
their books. The local library made donations. People sent the teacher money or gift cards to rebuild her library. As
much as it initially seemed a tragedy, the teacher will likely double or triple
the volume of books than before the storm.
Did I mention people are awesome?
The stories go on and on. If you watch the news, you’ve
probably heard some of them. My hope is
that this wonderful side of human nature carries on long after Irma, or the
other traumatic events, are a memory. Memories none of us should ever forget.
We need to care about this world we live in, and the best way to do that is
through love, whether in real life or in a book.
Subscribe to Tara’s Newsletter to download a free book.
Tara
Randel is an award-winning, USA Today bestselling author of fifteen novels. Family
values, a bit of mystery and, of course, love and romance, are her favorite
themes, because she believes love is the greatest gift of all. Look for her
next Harlequin Heartwarming romance, HIS ONE AND ONLY BRIDE, available January
2018 and her next Christmas Town novella in the holiday collection,
HEARTWARMING HOLIDAY WISHES, available October 10, 2017. Visit Tara at www.tararandel.com.
Like her on Facebook at Tara Randel Books
The timing of your post is perfect, Tara. I couldn't agree more with your thoughts on love. Thank you for this.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jill. I wish the timing wasn't perfect....but we go on to love those we come into contact with. Have a wonderful day.
DeleteI appreciate your point, Tara. Readers can read Heartwarming books to escape, but sometimes it is to a reality that does exist, even in the most trying of times. Relieved to hear that you weathered your storm!
ReplyDeleteI believe in times like these, the power of books is undeniable. Thanks for your reply!
DeleteSo glad you are okay. Your post is very timely and accurate as to what we need.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Liz!
DeletePeople rising to the occasion is a wonderful thing to see after such tragedy.
ReplyDeleteHopefully we'll learn more about the brave people in Las Vegas as time goes on. Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteThis is just lovely, Tara! So glad you weathered Irma and are okay. One of the most touching stories I heard from Las Vegas was of a young woman who held a dying man, a total stranger, in her arms so he wouldn’t be alone as he left this earth. Most people are good but we only hear, it seems, about the bad. I vote for ❤️.
ReplyDeleteI say we start Team Love! Everyone who helps and loves others is a member. Thanks, Leigh.
DeleteThanks for this post. Such a good reminder of the basic kindness of most people most of the time.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately we need the reminder, especially after back-to-back tragedies. Thanks, Virginia
DeleteA lovely reminder, Tara, of what really matters in life. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Janice. Have a great day!
DeleteTara, so happy to hear you came through the event and are okay. It's hard to turn on the news these days since it seems one tragedy after another strikes. Thanks for focusing on the good side.
ReplyDeleteYou're right about not wanting to turn on the news. With all the bad news out there, I vote for only talking about good things!
DeleteGlad you're okay, Tara, and thanks for a beautiful post. We have to keep hope alive and spread the love no matter what we face. And the story about the teacher, as well as the stories of courage and compassion I've seen on the news through all the recent tragedies...from the hurricanes to Las Vegas...have truly been heartwarming and moving. Peace to all.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Rula. After all those beautiful stories of brave people, I'm determined to do better.
DeleteYou are one of those kind, generous, caring people! I'm so glad you write for Heartwarming and even more glad that I get to be you CP :-)
ReplyDelete