As part of a displaced evacuee family, I’ve been given a humbling period to reflect on the kinds of love shown in our town – there are many kinds of love. I’ve seen for over twenty years that when there is trouble, very many of us help, regardless of political ideology. There is much love in this town. Federal relief, State programs, and local public assistance funds do what many see as a loving service to help mitigate personal loss and hurt. In a way, love is expressed by our leaders in a corporate way, via compulsory legislation enacted for compassion’s sake. Then there are the private givers. As I write, we eleven are tremendously blessed temporarily in the home of friends. Working together, we even housed nine lactating dairy goats here – warm, dry, safe, and with full bellies – think about that for a minute. As I reflect, I am particularly captured by the high level of love shown when people choose to give their own hard-earned, personal resources, with no expectation of repayment. Private giving comes from the actual life of the giver at the time of need, perhaps while also in the midst of suffering. Thank you, government, for doing your duty. Thank you, volunteers, friends, who love by giving of yourselves. The greatest love that can be shown is when we decide to give up our own life for friends.
Scott Hansen, on behalf of the Haines Hansens