Why we must show appreciation for our fellow man, every day
A month after the disastrous storm that rocked our North Shore communities, we are left wondering what is next.
State and federal politicians have given us big promises, pledging to offer considerable aid for rebuilding efforts, and that is largely for us to wait and see.
However, some of our local community members are taking matters into their own hands, and showing the world that they will not sit back idly and wait for others to take action — they will do now.
One example of a do-gooder that comes to mind is Port Jefferson resident Olivia Ross.
She has started an initiative whose sole aim is to save the Stony Brook Mill Pond, which she has cherished since her childhood years.
Her customized bracelets don the words “Save the Mill Pond” on one side and “Stony Brook Strong” on the other. To date, Ross has sold 100 bracelets, and received almost $1,000 dollars in donations.
It is people like Olivia that define patriotism. In a world of political unrest and uncertainty, people who aim to provide even a modicum of comfort to those in need are truly the models of what a citizen ought to be.
We must band together as one, and use tragedies like last month’s storm, and even last week’s reminder of the horror that was 9/11’s 23rd anniversary, as reminders that sadness brings out the best traits of the human spirit.
But, let us not wait for moments of heartache to help our fellow neighbor. Let’s follow the examples of the selfless, and do good today — and every day.
We can all surely use it!
