Tuesday, February 16, 2021

Guilt

 I live in Texas. 

We have had some very uncommon weather over the last two weeks. We are currently experiencing record low temperatures, record high snowfall, and the highest demanding for electricity in years.

My school district has cancelled school for today and tomorrow, so far. The school district in which I live has closed school for the rest of the week.

Thousands of  people have lost power. Some have experienced intermittent restoration of power, but many are going on 36+ hours without electricity, heat and/or gas.

Concerned individuals have been reaching out via various platforms to make sure my family and I are okay. 

Each time I respond, I feel guilty, because (thankfully) we never lost power. I know I have no reason to feel guilty. But, I do.

I hope and pray people don't have to endure these hardships too much longer.

11 comments:

  1. Donnetta, I think I understand what you mean about guilt. My house is warm and lit, while so many others are in a totally different situation. I'm happy to say that my community as a whole has dodged the worst of this weather situation, but it's still hard. I'm certainly ready for this weather to pass.

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  2. I’ve been thinking about friends and family and hope the weather crisis ends soon. Then I hope all climate science deniers have a wake up call from this event and take action to mitigate further degradation of our climate.

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  3. Let go of guilt - it does not help you or others. Just be glad and if you have a chance help others. Living in the north we are often faced with this type of weather and cold. I check in on neighbors and see if someone needs help or food or pick something up of a person I know can not get out. Just being safe and care for your family is helping since you are one less family in need. Be safe and be careful winter can be hard!

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  4. Nope, you don't need to feel guilt-- let that go. That being said, it's hard to hear about so many people facing even more challenge when there's already been plenty. I'm glad you are with your power and safe. There's a lot to look forward on looking back on.

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  5. I know you have been praying for all of those affected by this storm, so you are doing your part! Hope you hear from your daughter soon!

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  6. I agree with everyone saying let go of the guilt. As hard as it is to hear the news its important to stay safe and sound. Our family in the Dallas area have had it rough but they are lucky to pull together and rely on each other. Hoping for that famous warm winter weather very soon for Texas.

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  7. I am glad that you are safe and sound! I've been thinking about you and others who are experiencing this crazy weather. And no need for guilt - we can be grateful for our good fortune and worry about others without feeling guilty. (Not that I am good at this, but apparently it is possible.)

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  8. It is so weird how we react with that guilty feeling so often--and we usually know logically that there isn't anything to be guilty about but there it is. I am glad you and your family are safe and have power. I hope that the weather warms up soon for you.

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  9. Praying for all of you, Donnetta. Those with and those without power. I know we think nothing of crazy weather up here in the northeast, but we appreciate how challenging this already-complicated time is. Be safe and well, dear friend.

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  10. Donnetta, there's so much here to think about. And the one thing that strikes me most is this idea of guilt, especially when we have things so much better than others might. It's difficult (for me, at any rate) to sometimes allow myself to feel frustration or ingratitude for anything in my life knowing that there are others who are in more difficult situations. ESPECIALLY this year, and ESPECIALLY with this latest round of storms. And yes, my brain knows that feeling are what they are, that there's no need to feel guilt. My heart, on the other hand, needs some more convincing...

    Thanks for your post. =)

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  11. This reminds me so much of "survivor's guilt." I understand this - even when we had power out and no water for a short time, I felt guilty later about what the news was showing. So many people in other nearby communities with much worse circumstances. We're in this together no matter what! :)

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