I can't believe how close it is to Christmas! I was sick the last few weeks. I intend to have my holiday message up soon; I just have to find something witty and crafty to say.
Meanwhile, I thought I'd mention a wonderful group of people in my life who came together during an unfortunate series of events nearly 10 years ago. During Thanksgiving week, I had a reunion of my wonderful friends that make up BEERs.
Yep, BEERs. Like any group related to disaster, it's an acronym: Bitter Ex-Employees of the Red cross. (How's that for creativity?!?)
Back in 2001, this young naive guy, fresh out of college and working part-time for city government, came to find an article in the local paper looking for volunteers to join the local chapter and become an AmeriCorps*VISTA.
What the heck? Sounded like a great opportunity. I joined.
Two weeks later, the greatest attack of terror to hit the United States since the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor happened. I was thrown into the middle of disaster response for the local chapter.
Out of the devastation came a well-bonded, strong team that enhanced a disaster volunteer program thousands of times over. We motivated one another and vented when necessary. In between trainings, planning meetings, grant reports, and volunteer recruitment drives, we managed to fit in many opportunities to eat and laugh many, many times.
And of course, we drank copious amounts of frosty beverages.
I completed my obligation in one year and soon left for Tallahassee. Our team disbanded eventually to career advancement and/or romance; unfortunately, some lost their jobs when chapter finances took a bad hit (hence, the "bitter" in our group's name.)
However, this year, we came back for a brief moment and reminisced of the great times, managed to vent over some of the bad ones, but we all agreed we came out stronger and our heart for service and passion still beats.
