Don't Put Away the Compassion

Where has all the compassion and pleasantries of human nature gone? I remember the day the Twin Towers fell on 9/11. It seemed during those weeks that followed everyone was so compassionate, so polite to one another -- offering up their seats, holding conversations with perfect strangers about how they were going to be more kind to each other, work on their relationships - get married, etc. And now, I look around and see people shoving each other to get to a seat, no one bothers to say good morning as they plop down to sit next to you or their head is buried in a book or IPod to avoid looking at you. Why is it that only during the immediate hours of a disaster can we be civil and caring? Then afterwards we go back to our old true selves. I think of the people affected by Katrina Hurricane, everyone was so eager to take someone in, to help the families. Where are the Katrina residents now? You don't even hear about the progress in Louisiana. The Haiti earthquake. 24 hour news coverage and now nothing. The people are still there -- trying to survive, and everyone else has resumed their normal lives. Yes, life has to go on even when disaster strikes, but we don't have to forget those who are still left behind. People don't expect or need someone to help them forever, but don’t leave or take away your helping hand because the dust has settled. Remember those who are hurting and in need and try to bring back some genuine compassion and love for your fellow man, every day. Love is contagious.