I was filling a bucket from an outside faucet, ready to water some flower boxes. As I waited for the bucket to fill, watching the water flow freely, splashing in the sun, dawned on me how precious this is.

I have access to abundant flowing clean water. If I was in the middle of the Hurricane Katrina disaster, very likely that water would be forefront in my mind, certainly in my needs. That simple, common, battered bucket of fresh water would be a miracle.

I am reminded also that all feelings are okay. Those of us not immediately concretely affected have a full range of emotions, and it is all okay. Whether caught up in each story or needing to think about other things, we are all doing the best we can.

I second Petunia's hope that compassion for human life prevails.

Sarah