As we start the new year, many of us stop and reflect on how blessed we truly are to have all that we need. We may not have all that we want, but many of us have all that we need and then some. We don’t have to look far to see someone who needs the basics. If we simply stop and take a few moments to remember this past September, Hurricane Helene and her devastation come to mind. Many individuals were left with absolutely nothing and some lost more than physical things. Many lost loved ones. In the wreckage and rubble that remained, our best friends came to work. They worked to find both the living and the dead. Both the dogs and the handlers worked tirelessly in hopes of finding family’s loved ones. In an effort to honor these teams, Mrs. Spencer, a professional writer wrote the following poem. As we go about our lives, let’s not forget those who are still suffering loss in our neighborhoods.
This poem was written about the Mercy Search and Rescue.
They came just like they always come, no matter the disaster, no matter the danger that awaits them.
They are fierce and strong and brave.
They saw an alien landscape, a world turned upside down.
They saw boulders fallen from mountain tops.
They saw oaks and poplars on their sides, leaves still blazing orange and yellow.
They saw tree trunks on top of houses and houses in rivers.
They saw buildings crushed and crumbled.
They prepared their hearts.
They ate from tin cans or grabbed donated sandwiches or feasted at restaurants that still stood that offered free meals to those whose job was rescue.
They ate to build their strength for each day’s terrible duty in an unfamiliar landscape.
They ate to wade in rushing rivers filled with fallen trees.
They ate to tackle unseen dangers lying beneath the waters.
They prayed for safety.
They slept outside in tents.
They slept hard, the ground the only place to rest their heads.
They slept cold in the damp mountain air, trembling.
They slept lightly, waking in the dead of night, wondering what the next day might bring.
They slept to shield their hearts from the reality of less rescue, more recovery.
They slept to strengthen their resolve to do their duty.
They dreamed in waking nightmares.
They worried about their dogs’ stamina and health.
They worried as days turned into weeks.
They worried when their dogs found fewer live humans, more parts and pieces.
They worried as they saw anxiety and depression in their dogs’ eyes, in their gait, in a tail tucked between legs.
They feared they could not go on.
They leave to gather their resources.
They leave to see their families and children.
They leave to recover.
They leave to give their dogs rest.
They leave so they can return and finish the job.
They are daughters and sisters and mothers and grandmothers.
They are tired and heartbroken and fierce and strong and brave and resilient.
This poem was written by Melanie D. Spencer. To donate to
the animal rescue cause, use this PayPal link: Mercy Search
And Rescue @mercysar about the Mercy Search and Rescue.
