Emergency treatment

By now our nation’s best wordsmiths – far more eloquent than we – will have op-edited every imaginable comment, idea and solution to the attack on America, Tuesday morning, September 11, 2001.

Some of you will have a relative, friend or colleague killed or injured. Most will not. But that does not mean that you won’t be feeling a tremendous sense of loss or helplessness.

Here are 10 interim suggestions that you may find helpful:

• TALK openly with close family, relatives and friends.

• DON’T BE AFRAID TO CONTACT counselors, mental health workers, priests, ministers or rabbis.

• GIVE BLOOD if you can – Americans have already responded unselfishly with donors waiting in lines for hours to give blood. This emergency will use up most of our current blood supply so the shortage will turn up in two to three weeks. So continue to donate for an extended period.

• SIGN UP TODAY for a Red Cross CPR and first aid course – When devastation on the scene is so extensive, you may be able to help save a life the next time. You might also want to consider getting licensure as an emergency medical technician (EMT) so as to assist and relieve the workers in the field who will become exhausted and welcome your contribution.

• SPIRITUALITY helps – On Tuesday morning we all awoke to a shocking tragedy. All are concerned for our country and friends and relatives who live in New York and Washington, D.C. In Irvine, Calif., the Congregations of University Synagogue and the Irvine United Church of Christ joined in a common service on Wednesday night as part of a nation-wide prayer effort.

• VOLUNTEER – A colleague of ours from Littleton, Colorado reports that her mother found community and solace in making memorial ribbons for the Columbine tragedy. Organizing your community to help victims and their families may be the best medicine for your anger, grief and frustration.

• OPEN UP FOR BUSINESS / GO TO WORK – Show them our system is strong and that a free country and free market can take care of its people and endure.

• FLY YOUR FLAG – Let’s see a flag hanging from every house, store and office window.

• MAKE TOMORROW U.S. Color day – Red, White & Blue should be worn in honor of our fellow Americans that died. For example, wear blue jeans and a white tee shirt.

• AVOID EXCESSIVE TV WATCHING – Listening to announcers and pundits drone on repetitively and endlessly can give rise to acute post traumatic media stress syndrome. Turn off the set when children are around.

One additional thought of hope from fellow writer Scott Holleran who says, “REBUILD the Twin Trade Towers – and make them 10 stories higher.”

A Southern California Army recruiter told us that people were calling and phoning the Orange County base all day Wednesday – wanting to volunteer. Many were retired military personnel aged 60-70. So let there be no doubt about our resolve. Now is the time to come together to mourn for the dead and express our support as Americans for a united America in the fight against terrorism.

Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out steadily to all of you.