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We need all the heroes we can get

This morning, in an effort to return to any sort of normalcy, I dropped H off at preschool and walked over to the Ped Mall to grab a cup of coffee. In the two short blocks or so that I walked, every person I passed was either a law enforcement officer, a National Guardsman, a rep of the Army Corps of Engineers, a Red Cross Disaster Services team member, or an Americorps volunteer.

I felt a lump grow in my throat. I barely resisted the urge to throw my arms around these people and tell them, "Thank you for helping to save our town." I've never felt so protected and cared for, ever. In the midst of this misery, here are people who have dedicated their lives to make ours whole again.

We welcome them to our community. And we hope they don't take this the wrong way -- because they are truly our heroes -- but we can't wait until we don't need them anymore.

Want to help? Donate to United Way Midwest Flood Recovery.

Or to the Red Cross: 1-800-REDCROSS or online.

Or to the Salvation Army: 1-800-SAL-ARMY.

Or to the UI Flood Fund: Gifts may be made online or sent by mail to the UI Foundation, P.O. Box 4550, Iowa City, Iowa 52244-4550.

Comments

Brianne said…
Awwww that's sweet. That would've been really cool had you just run up to someone and gave 'em a big hug. :) I'd be there helping if I could!!!
9:27 AM
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