Eek, another apartment fire!

This afternoon (12/3/13) a 3 alarm fire occurred at an apartment complex in Overland Park, KS. I just happened to be on call so when I saw the news pop up on my Facebook feed I quickly stopped what I was doing (I was at the library using a computer for my job search, who needs a job right? I do but that's a different topic for a different day...) and headed to my car. I called the DDO and steered my car towards the direction of the fire knowing the DDO would call me back while I was on my way.

I wasn't the assigned lead today but since I was first on the scene at the apartment fire I became the point person for EMS, police and fire in regards to information needed to be shared with the Red Cross. No problem, I can handle information just as long as I don't have to do the on camera interviews. If the media learned i was point person and had all the info they would be requesting interviews. I quickly got on the phone with the DDO and let the chapter know we needed our communications/media personnel at the scene as it was quite a zoo (in regards to the local news being on site). The DDO assured me our communications team was on the way.

Once I knew our communications team was on the way I was able to focus on getting information about how many residents are affected that might need assistance, where we can stage, etc. As usual, EMS, fire and police were very helpful. The Red Cross has a good working relationship with first responders which benefits everyone involved in disasters such as large apartment fires. The Red Cross takes the lead in getting information from the apartment manager regarding occupancy so that everyone can be accounted for. This allows fire, EMS and police to continue their focus on rescue, fire suppression and containment of the scene as well as other tasks they need to complete in these types of disasters.

This was a pretty big fire. One building was burning which put the adjacent buildings at risk. In all, 3 buildings were affected. Unfortunately one resident was taken to the hospital with serious burns. Several others were treated at the scene for minor injuries including smoke inhalation. One OP Police Officer was also taken to the hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation and was released later in the evening. Residents were very appreciative of the quick response from police to the scene. Many residents wanted to give kudos to the police for helping evacuate everyone so quickly. Fire had to rescue at least one person from an upper level balcony. I know from my own fire how important it is for fire and police to arrive quickly to help with evacuation. In an emergency people naturally panic and aren't sure how to best evacuate safely. Sometimes we think our possessions are worth the time to gather before evacuating. Unfortunately time is of the essence to evacuate safely.

In total, 30 units were affected. 10 were destroyed or severely damaged from the fire and the other 20 had some smoke damage. Electricity had to be turned off to the 2 adjacent buildings so residents were allowed to go in with a fire fighter to gather some things but would need a place to stay for the night. The Red Cross assisted all residents affected with food, clothing and lodging. All residents were accounted for (some were at work at the time of the fire) and almost all pets. Unfortunately one resident was unable to find her cat. Thankfully she lives in one of the buildings that had smoke damage only so hopefully the cat is just hiding and is safe. When a pet is missing that is always hard for me to hear. I will always think of my kitty Cosmo (who I lost in my fire last year) whenever I respond to an apartment fire. Pets are family too! I hope the resident finds her kitty soon!

I have said before, I am blessed to be able to volunteer and appreciate working with such a great group of people that make up the Greater Kansas City Red Cross Chapter!

Here are some pics of our wonderful Red Cross volunteers in action:

One of the many reasons why I volunteer...

Why do I volunteer? There are many reasons and last night reaffirmed a few of them! As I was entering a house to do an assessment after a fire this little guy came running up to me. He's a young puppy belonging to the family affected by the house fire.

 

(Wish I had gotten a better pic but it was difficult without any electricity and with him jumping up on me I am surprised I got a pic at all. I wanted to pet him, reassure him that he was okay and capture the moment!)

 

The family was worried their puppy didn't survive as they were unable to find him. The fire department reported to the family that they hadn't found him either so imagine my surprise when he came running up to me upon entering the house. I volunteer at Wayside Waifs along with Red Cross. I enjoy helping people and animals. Did this little guy sense the presence of an animal lover and that's what brought him out from his hiding spot? We may never know but I can tell you that seeing this little guy made my night! It's always difficult on a family when they lose their home and belongings but losing a pet on top of it makes it that much more difficult. To see the elation on the family's faces when they saw that their puppy was safe well... that was a priceless moment!

Sleep, who needs sleep?

So I volunteered to be on call this past weekend. (If you haven't been reading my blog regularly...I'm a Disaster Services Technician - DAT - for the Red Cross). I put myself on the schedule for Saturday morning (12am-6am) and again on Sunday night (10pm-12am)/Monday morning (12am-8am). I will occasionally sign up for the overnight shifts when I see there is only 1 DAT on the schedule or if it's a holiday since coverage sometimes can be light on holidays. Otherwise I generally schedule myself for Thursday evening with another volunteer that is regularly on the calendar Thursday evening and then other times during the week that are light. I have shied away from overnights in the past because I tend to not hear the phone once I go to sleep. Ever since my fire last year though I can no longer sleep through a full night so I decided to go ahead and make myself available overnight when the need is there. I actually enjoy being able to get up in the middle of the night and assist a family in need. I would never wish a disaster on anyone but as I have experienced, disasters don't discriminate. They can happen anytime - day or night. 

Anyhoo... back to this weekend. I actually hadn't been to a fire in more than a month or so. Sometimes that's the way it goes and I don't mind because that means it's been quiet and there haven't been many fires in the KC area. This weekend was different though. Probably due to the colder weather arriving. Seems like fires increase at the beginning of cold weather and conversely at the beginning of hot weather. The increased usage of electricity may be the reason since it seems many fires are contributed to being caused by electrical. Other reasons include using alternative forms of heat such as candles, fireplaces, spaceheaters, etc. So, Saturday a.m. fellow volunteer Carl and I responded to a house fire at approximately 5am. The fire occured some time during the overnight and the resident was not home at the time. Fortunately his dog was outside and unharmed. As can be seen from the pictures below, the house was a complete loss. It's always heartbraking to see that happen and even more so when the resident tells you the history behind the house. In this case, the son had inherited the house from his recently deceased mother and was renovating it. It's hard for the family impacted to hold back the tears sometimes and this case was no exception. All I can do as a Red Cross volunteer is reassure them that help is available. That doesn't take away the pain of losing everything though. I know that from first hand experience. I am not sure if that helps or hurts me as a DAT. I sometimes wonder if my experience has changed how I approach my tasks as a DAT. If nothing else I think I am more compassionate because I can relate to the loss they are feeling.

Some calls are a little harder than others to respond to. I struggle whenever a pet is lost in a fire so I was very relieved to hear the owners dog survived the above fire.

Sunday night/Monday morning had Carl and I busy. We were both on the calendar again and responded to 2 different fires. The first fire was a house fire in Raytown, MO. Fortunately for the resident he was able to escape safely as well as get his dogs out safely. Damage was limited to a small portion of the house and he should be able to return to living in the house within a few days. He was in the middle of dinner at the time, heard a strange noise and upon investigation he discovered the fire. He called 911 and used a fire extenguisher to help extenguish the fire. Fire extenguishers can be great tools if you know how to use them properly and know when a fire is too big to knock out yourself. He was smart and got out with his pets instead of trying to be a hero when he realized the fire was bigger than the extenguisher could handle.

The second fire was a house fire on the east side of KC. The house is currently under renovation and is set up to be apartments. 2 young men were living in the house at the time of the fire. They were fortunate in that they were able to get out unharmed. They lost quite a bit of their posssessions though and again that is hard to handle no matter who you are. They were quite humbled though and knew how fortunate they were to get out safely. Below is a picture of that fire. A KC Firefighter was injured when the roof collapsed. Although his injuries are not life threatening, it is a sober reminder of how dangerous fires are and how fortunate we are when we are able to safely escape.

The fires were within hours of each other Sunday pm/Monday am so consequently I didn't get much sleep. By time I got home from the 2nd fire it was dawn and I was too wound up to sleep. That's the downside to responding to disasters, I get wound up and can't sleep afterward which makes taking the overnight shift hard. However, I feel like providing support to others when they need it outweighs the hours of sleep I may lose from time to time. I am proud to volunteer for the Red Cross and hope to do so for many years to come.

KC Marathon Race Volunteer

When my alarm went off at 5am today I cursed myself for volunteering to be a course monitor for the marathon. It was COLD and EARLY! I managed to put on a few layers and slumber out the door finding my way to QuikTrip. With coffee and donut in hand I made my way to 54th and Summit, my assigned intersection.

My intersection was at approximately mile 13 so it would be a while before I would see any runners but we were instructed to be in place by 6:15am per KCPD. The race course has to be secure (ie enough police officers and volunteers in place) to ensure runner safety. The gun went off at 7:05am and at approximately 8:15am the first runners appeared down the street from my assigned intersection.

It was then that I remembered why I volunteered. I love race day, whether I am running or volunteering. Both give me satisfaction. I either complete a journey of training to the finish line or maintain a safe course for other runners to complete their journey to the finish line. Today did not disappoint! 

Thousands of runners, walkers and a few superheroes (some great costumes today!) completed their journey today. Some their first marathon, some their hundredth. I cheered, clapped, slapped hands with runners (including the very last runner on the marathon course) and made sure traffic stayed clear of the course. There is nothing like cheering thousands of runners to the finish and receiving thousands of thank you's in return! Even KCPD officers on the course made a point to say thank you when they drove by. It's a joint effort between KCPD and volunteers to make it a safe race for everyone. I never expect a thank you but it's always nice to hear! I enjoy volunteering at local races. It allows me to give back to a sport I love and also inspires me to continue running. I am currently nursing a hamstring injury and will miss the Marine Corps Marathon next week because of it which made today a little bittersweet. Nonetheless, I will return again next year to volunteer! Maybe one of these years I will run it instead... 

Congratulations to all who crossed the finish line today!

CERT - Weeks 3 & 4 - Emergency Medical Operations

Weeks 3 & 4 of the CERT training covered Emergency Medical Operations. CERTs role in a disaster is to do the greatest amount of good for the greatest amount of people in any time of need. One of the tasks assigned to CERTs is to do triage (prior to EMS professionals arriving) to determine the medical needs of those affected in the disaster. CERTs learn to do a basic assessment to determine if an individual needs immediate medical assistance, can wait for delayed medical assistance (non-life threatening injuries), is not injured or in the worst case scenario, the individual is deceased. When possible CERTs will set up a triage area for each situation and segregate the injured individuals per category.

Here are some pics from class:

Chief Keller demonstrates how to do a head to toe examination to determine extent of injury and need for triage.

Here are pics of class trying on splints:












And in case anyone is wondering if I actually attend the classes, here I am hiding in the back. Not sure who is taking pictures but I need to do a better job of hiding from the camera! ;)



Next week we will be covering Light Search and Rescue. 

(Pictures above are from Southwest Johnson County CERT. Probably their PR person. Hope they don't mind that I borrowed them!)

To learn more about Southwest Johnson County CERT visit them on facebook at:  https://www.facebook.com/SouthwestJohnsonCountyCERT

New Volunteer Opportunity - CERT

I have been interested in Emergency Management and CERT for quite some time. I seem to manage to find the CERT training a few weeks AFTER the classes start and end up looking for other programs and then missing the classes for the year. Well this year I managed to find and register for the training BEFORE classes started so I am finally getting around to being trained as a CERT. Yay! If I could turn my passion for Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Assessment in to a career I would but for now I am happy to be a volunteer with American Red Cross and now with Southwest Johnson County CERT.

Following a major disaster, first responders who provide fire and medical services may not be able to meet the demand for these services. Factors such as number of victims, communication failures and road blockages may prevent people from accessing emergency services they have come to expect at a moment's notice through 911. People will have to rely on each other for help in order to meet their immediate life saving and life sustaining needs. This is where CERT comes in!

CERT stands for Community Emergency Response Team. Citizens are trained by professionals in Emergency Management, EMS, Fire and Law Enforcement to respond and assist in disasters.

CERT team members are often available at a scene of a disaster BEFORE emergency personnel can arrive. CERT teams provide many tasks such as first aid/CPR and other life saving services. CERTs may also assist emergency personnel (ems, fire and law enforcement) with tasks such as communication, fire suppression, traffic control, search & rescue as well as organize spontaneous volunteers to put them to use in the most effective way. CERT teams do not replace emergency personnel but rather take charge until emergency personnel arrive and then work with emergency personnel to provide services to those in need in time of a disaster. This allows trained emergency personnel to focus on more technical tasks CERT members are not trained to perform.

The mission of a CERT team is to do the greatest amount of good for the greatest amount of people in any time of need.

Southwest Johnson County CERT is based out at Johnson County Fire District #1 in Gardner, KS. If you are interested in CERT training or would just like to learn more about their program visit them on facebook at:  https://www.facebook.com/SouthwestJohnsonCountyCERT.

Here are some pictures from this weeks class (Week 2) which focused on Fire Suppression:

 

CERT training programs are generally from 7-10 weeks. Topics covered include: Disaster Preparedness, Fire Suppression, Medical Operations (First Aid, CPR, Triage), Search and Rescue, Disaster Psychology (signs and symptoms that victims or CERT members are experiencing psychology trauma from the disaster) and Team Organization (how a CERT is organized, need for documentation, etc). The final week is generally a Disaster Simulation. It is also recommended that CERT members participate in local disaster drills when available.

Next week we jump in to emergency medical operations. I will try to post updates and pictures when possible. I am looking forward to this new adventure!
 

Follow Up on Chad Rogers Death

There was a lot of negative publicity about Chad Rogers death. It's human nature to be curious. I am glad to hear it wasn't foul play or suicide. Here is what was reported earlier today via The Kansas City Star:

"The Jackson County medical examiner’s office has determined Chad Rogers died from a congenital heart problem involving the aortic valve, which had two flaps instead of the normal three, the autopsy report said."

It's a sad loss for the Rogers family but I am certain there is some comfort in knowing Chad didn't die a violent death from foul play nor did he commit suicide. Now hopefully his family can get some peace while they mourn the loss of a son, husband and father.

Rest In Peace Chad! Run with the Angels! 

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/2013/09/04/4457495/liberty-runners-death-attributed.html#storylink=cpy

Tragedy in the running community. Why does everyone feel they "need" to know how Chad Rogers died?

Ok, I'm as curious as the next person but it's none of my business as to how or why Chad Rogers died beyond "was it foul play?" So why is it so many people feel the need to know how Chad died? My concern was foul play. As a runner I want to feel safe when I venture out on the roads or trails. Running is my peace, my anti-depressant, my life. I was scared when I first heard about Chad's disappearance while on a run. I wanted to do anything I could to help find him alive. I was devastated along with everyone else when his body was found. I was relieved to learn his death was NOT a result of foul play. My curiosity ended there. I didn't feel the need to know how or why Chad died beyond the cause not being foul play because I did not know Chad personally.

I understand that many people felt connected to the story because they helped with the search, shared information on the internet, etc. But really, is it our business to know how Chad died if we did not personally know Chad or his family? Do a quick google search of Chad Rogers and you will find many sites where people are asking questions about his life, his family and of course speculating as to how he died. True it isn't helping that the media made quite a scene about the search and then nothing was released about the cause of his death other than it was not a result of foul play. It's as if the media all of a sudden shut down on the story. Could that be a result of a request from the family for privacy? Maybe and to be honest I can't blame the family.

Chad's death was tragic. Was it due to a medical issue? Again as a runner I am curious because well... people do die on runs. It could have been an undiagnosed medical condition (heart maybe?), dehydration and/or heat illness (it was hot and humid the day Chad went out for that fateful run), etc. I've lost friends to medical emergencies who died on the soccer field, softball field and football field. Emergencies DO happen! Those that know me may recall that I did a thesis on medical emergencies in high school athletes. I am not stating that to toot my horn but the data in my thesis did raise questions about how athletes are screened prior to participation in high school sports and the data was shared among the High School Athletic Associations to help change screening requirements. Athletes die from participation in sports due to many different circumstances so to not speculate that Chad died from a medical emergency on his run that night would be foolish.

Could the ugly rumors be true that Chad committed suicide? I have read some of the comments people have made about Chad since his death and the speculation is horrible. People want to know if he committed suicide because he was recently fired from his job, was having financial and or legal issues, was gay or was having an affair, etc. Some people go as far to say that all of the circumstances regarding Chads death should be released to the public. That he had issues and the public has a right to know because the public came together to support his family and join in the search for him. Other comments suggest that the community felt used. That his missing person status was misrepresented and if circumstances surrounding his death were known to the public he wouldn't have gotten so much sympathy. Guess what? It's none of our business how or why Chad died! If we are not a friend or family member of Chad Rogers why do we have the right to know how or why he died? We don't. We are just being curious, nosy human beings. Think for a minute - if it was you or a loved one this happened to, would you want the world to know the issues surrounding yours or your loved ones death? Probably not. I know I wouldn't! I for one hope the media doesn't learn or release the final autopsy report. The family is grieving and deserves some privacy in this difficult time. I hope that the community will respect that.

If it turns out the cause of death was suicide. I pray that if the media reports it as such that the media also takes the opportunity to educate people about suicide. There is such a stigma around suicide. This would be an opportunity to educate people and maybe help someone who is struggling with depression, anxiety and or suicidal thoughts.

RIP Chad! Run with the Angels!

RIP Chad Rogers

On Monday July 22, 2013 Chad left his home (Liberty, MO) around 8:30pm to go for a run. It would be the last time he would see his wife and son for Chad never returned from his run. Family, friends, volunteers and local law enforcement searched for 4 consecutive days for signs of Chad. On Friday July 26 Chads body was found not far from home. Authorities have not released cause of death and I don't want to speculate here. My hope is that God wraps his loving arms around Chads' family, friends and fellow runners during this difficult time.

As a runner, this event frightens me. I pray Chad did not lose his life to foul play. Chad was a dedicated runner and I'm certain he wouldn't want his death to scare runners from enjoying running out on the roads and trails. I didn't know Chad personally but if you are a runner you know all runners feel a sense of community with other runners no matter where you live. In this case, it touches closer to home for I grew up in KC. I have been to Liberty, MO many times for cross country and track meets as well as CC camp at William Jewell College while I was a high school student. I was lucky enough to call many Liberty runners friends. I still live and run in the KC area. I was touched by the overwhelming amount of support the community provided Chads family. While I was not able to participate in the search for Chad I shared the info as much as possible and prayed for his safe return. Now it's time to pray for strength for his family and friends as they mourn and celebrate the life of a husband, father, son, friend, fellow runner taken too soon.

Run with the Angels Chad!

Volunteering

Have I mentioned that volunteering is a blessing? When I am in a depressive mood nothing helps more than assisting others whether it's humans or four legged furry friends! It's a gift I cherish. Thank you American Red Cross and Wayside Waifs for enriching my life!

Prayers for Prescott Arizona Fire Department

Please take a moment to remember the brave firefighters lost in the line of duty June 30, 2013 fighting wildfires in Arizona. Pray that the many other firefighters who continue to battle the wildfires remain safe. And keep those who lost a loved one in your thoughts and prayers that they may remain strong during such a difficult time.

Nineteen elite firefighters died battling a fast-moving wildfire Sunday just west of Phoenix Arizona.The lost firefighters were members of a "hotshot" crew, who specialize in attacking wildfires like the Yarnell Hill Fire. The elite firefighters often hike for miles into the wilderness with chain saws and backpacks filled with heavy gear to build lines of protection between people and fires. They remove brush, trees and anything that might burn in the direction of homes and cities.

An estimated 200 homes were destroyed in the country's worst wildfire disaster in at least 30 years, officials said. Gusting winds and dry grass fed the blaze as it tore through the communities of Yarnell and Glen Isla about 85 miles northwest of Phoenix. It has burned more than 2,000 acres and is uncontained, fire officials said. According to news stories Mike Reichling, Arizona State Forestry Division spokesman, said the 19 firefighters were found in an area that also had 19 fire shelters deployed. Some of them were found inside their shelters, which are tent-like structures meant to shield firefighters from flames and heat. They are typically used as a last resort. It is still unclear what caused the incident. Reichling said federal firefighting help is on the way and that the number of firefighters on the scene will reach 400.

This undated picture provided courtesy of KPHO-TV/CBS-5-AZ.COM shows the Prescott Granite Mountain Hotshot crew of Prescott, Arizona. (Photo: KPHO-TV/CBS-5-AZ.COM AFP/Getty Images)

Did you know that approximately 69% of firefighters in the United States are volunteers? Pray that these brave men and women stay safe each and every day that they put their life on the line to save a family, a home, a pet, etc. Thank you for your service!

                            

Depression Lies....

Depression is a condition that lies to us about ourselves in an effort to sustain its own existence. It generally can be defeated and most often does pass.

I was diagnosed with depression and PTSD earlier this year. I don't know about you but I have my share of good days and bad. I seem to be having more bad days than good these days. I still struggle with nightmares from my fire last year which prevents me from sleeping some nights even though I know the likelihood of another fire is remote (Yeah I have to convince myself of that since I experienced 2 fires within 10 days of each other last year. Surely I won't experience a 3rd!). Like many of you who are reading this blog, I have personal issues which makes life a challenge at times. I don't want to air my dirty laundry here so I won't go in to details but I will say on my bad days I really struggle. When I'm struggling I either hide or I get on the internet and look for information to help get me through it. Admittedly, some days it's easier just to hide.  However, here is some information I found on the following blog that I found helpful:  http://www.thechangeblog.com/depression-lies/.

When depression hits, it hijacks your thoughts and feelings. It whispers seductive lies into your ears; lies that gradually start sounding like the truth. I know how that feels, because I struggle with it too. If on the other hand, you knew the lies depression commonly uses, then you can ignore or replace them with your own inner truth. And every time you do that, you have healed a little bit. So, here are some common ‘depression deceptions’ to watch out for:

1. It’s a chemical condition. So I can’t really do anything about it right? Wrong.

Yes your brain is made up of electrical impulses and chemical substances that change a million times in a day and make up your thoughts and/or emotions. And yes, often times, severe clinical depression requires medications. In fact, they can be essential and life saving in some situations. But, and listen to this very closely, even when they work well, medications alone don’t keep you from getting depressed again. What they do, is give you enough relief to then work on your self, and change the things in your mind and life, so that hopefully, you don’t feel that depressed again.

In fact, some forms of therapy, such as Mindfulness based cognitive therapy, has been shown to be even better than medications at lowering the risk of relapse (as long as you’ve gotten over the worst hump). The human mind is very powerful but much of it is amenable to change. It’s a tough process, but so worth the effort.

2. Anyone with my childhood/job/marriage/health/finances would be depressed!

Each of us lives in our own heads and so we only can feel our own pain. Yes we can empathize with others, but we can't fully feel anyone else's joy or pain as intimately as we can feel our own. This can lead us to feel trapped by the pain of our own life circumstances.

I used to feel this way as well. My depression would tell me “Your mom committed suicide and your dad is a narcissist. It’s not possible for you to ever be happy”. The worst part was, I believed it for a long time.

Since then, I have been fortunate to feel my own strengths, to learn about the brain, to read books and meet amazing people who have overcome great odds, proving to me over and over again that the human spirit is greater than the sum of past events.

You have great inner strength and wisdom within you. Whatever may have happened in your past is only one part of you. Don’t let it dictate your whole life.

3. I’ve tried everything. Nothing works for me.

Do you feel like you have tried every single thing to help yourself? And nothing is working? If that’s the case, maybe you’re trying too hard. Sometimes chasing happiness makes it more…..elusive, like a butterfly that will only come and softly sit on your shoulder when you can simply be in it’s presence without chasing it.

Try just surrounding yourself with people who seem genuinely happy. Not the Polly Anna kind of superficial happy. But the folks that exude a sense of deep contentment and peace from within. Don’t compare or force happiness to come to you. Just be in its presence.

4. I’ll be happier once I lose weight/get a raise/buy a home…

I wasted lots of my time in my 20’s hoping that if I just worked desperately toward achieving this or that, I would live happily ever after. Well, I did achieve most of those things, and it did make me feel excited briefly, but soon I had gone back to my usual state of mind. Feeling confused, I would replace it with another “goal” and chase after that, hoping that this time, the happiness would be deeper and long lasting.

And one day I was explaining this theory to a close friend, and she said simply “What’s wrong with now? Why not just be happy now?”

It blew me away. Because she wasn’t telling me to not reach for my goals, but rather that I was missing out on the possibility of NOW.

This very moment is alive with possibility. Whenever you begin to worry about the future or connect your happiness to some elusive goal, take a moment to bring your awareness back to this moment. Use your senses to really see, hear, smell and touch your immediate surroundings. And think of one thing you are grateful for today. Maybe it’s your morning cup of coffee, the hug your son gave you or that your friend called to share a joke. Whatever it is, if you truly loved it, spend a few moments being genuinely thankful that you had that TODAY.

5. I’ve screwed up a lot. I hate myself. I’m not worthy of happiness.

This is a tough one, because when we don’t love ourselves, that’s where the work must start. No foundation, no building.

Whatever you may have done in the past, it’s gone. That moment can never come back.
However, every new breath you take now is a new chance at life.  It’s totally fresh and alive for you to shape as you like. And if this one doesn’t do it, that’s fine, your next breath is again a fresh possibility. And the next. And the next.

Until you take your last breath, you have millions of moments to start over and become the person you want to be. It’s up to you what you do with each one.

6. Most of my life is okay, except for that one ‘X’ thing

I once read a story that goes something like this.

A professor puts up a big white board with a black dot on it, and then asks his students to describe what they see.

Most of them come close to scrutinize the board and blurt out the answer excitedly “The black dot! There is a black dot on it!”

Finally, the professor says “It’s interesting that most of you didn’t notice the whole white board in front of you, but rather chose to focus on that one small black dot”

This is what happens when we focus solely on the negative things. I’m not saying your difficulties are just dot sized. Not at all. All I’m saying is: Don’t forget to enjoy the beautiful expanse of white in your life. Because it’s there.

Psychiatrist Kavetha Sundaramoorthy is the author of the above blog material. Again that blog address is http://www.thechangeblog.com/depression-lies/. Good resource to check out!

I don't know about those of you reading this blog but I have believed probably all 6 lies at one time or another. I have to constantly remind myself that they are lies. Life isn't easy but each day presents a new experience, a new opportunity. It's hard some days to not focus on the past or the negative. I am glad to be able to find resources on the internet that remind me to be positive and live each day to the fullest. It's not easy especially when you are stuck in a state of depression. I am not alone though and that is what helps me keep moving.

Here are some other resources about depression and people who are coping with it daily that I have found useful:

http://wilwheaton.net/2012/09/depression-lies/
http://thebloggess.com/2012/04/depression-lies/

For those dealing with serious depression or other mental disorder, suicide may be a concern. About one in four adults suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year. That means if you think about your 10 favorite people in the whole world two of them could be at risk of suicide. That’s why it’s so important to recognize the warning signs and to know how to get help for yourself or others. If you or someone you know is thinking of suicide call 800-273-TALK, or click here for resources. The National Suicide
Prevention Lifeline also offers a chat. You can sign in as an anonymous guest. These hotlines are crisis hotlines so you don't necessarily need to be suicidal to call. If you are in crisis and just need to talk to someone it is a useful resource. I know, I have utilized it to talk through a crisis. I am not one to ask for help but sometimes we all need a little help. These hotlines are confidential so if you are struggling but don't feel like you can reach out to a friend or family member please contact the hotline via either phone, chat or email. Sometimes just talking can help get you through a critical moment.

I'll end today's blog with this poem I ran across while doing a search about depression. I think it sums up depression pretty good:

Depleted, defeated,
Unloved and mistreated-
Depression distorts vision
Through glasses that
Alter what we see and think
And are certainly not
Rose colored or pink. Dark, stark
And off our own mark-
It drives us to our beds
(Maybe see about some meds?)
The shadows will pass
Like flatulent gas.

Depression lies-
And darkens our skies.
Whispering our secret doubts
About ourselves
Pulling old shames down
From the shelves.
It tells us that
Tomorrow
Will never come.
That we do not deserve
To be a whole one.

Through the tears
And beyond the fears-
We must all realize
That depression lies.

~David A. Reinstein, LCSW

Praying for Oklahoma

On Monday May20, 2013 the nation watched as the town of Moore, Oklahoma was devastated by a deadly tornado. Here are just a few of the pictures media and others caught that day:

I am not currenlty in Oklahoma as a volunteer with the Red Cross. The pictures showing Red Cross volunteers are from their local chapter. I have updated my status so that I can deploy if they need additional volunteers.

GOD BLESS TEACHERS... a teacher in Moore, Oklahoma finds one of the students in his class, that he thought he'd lost in Monday's tornado.

From the Moore Community Shelter in Moore, OK. Pictures from damaged areas.

And please don't forget about all the lost pets! Pets are family too!

One thing we know for sure and that is in time of need Americans pull together to help each other out. That has certainly happened this week for those affected not just in Oklahoma but Texas, Missouri and other states where dangerous storms passed through this week. The media focus was primarily on Oklahoma because of the mass casualties including young students who parished while at school where there was no reinforced tornado shelter available. Rather than focus on blame, most Americans chose to open their hearts and wallets to help.

Although Kansas City was not affected directly by the severe weather on Monday other than some hail and high winds, Kansas Citians rose to the challenge to help those affected elsewhere. Numerous efforts began to collect money, bottled water and donations. One particular event included a telethon. KMBC Channel 9 (Kansas City) and H&R Block teamed up to host a telethon from 5-10:30pm Tuesday May 22, 2013 to benefit the victims affected by tornados in Oklahoma and Texas. The telethon was set up at H&R Blocks call center to raise money for the Red Cross specifically to assist those impacted by the tornados in Oklahoma and Texas. Way to go Kansas City for raising over $46,000 for the relief efforts! That number will actually climb once the mail-in donations are recieved. Folks could donate by credit card the night of the telethon or mail in a check. I joined fellow Red Cross volunteers as well as H&R Block employees to help man the phones during the telethon. We recieved well over 800 calls! Callers wanted to help in anyway they could and they certainly did that! Donations ranged from $10 to $1000. Every donation is appreciated. The calls came from all over Kansas City including Lenexa, Overland Park, Bonner Springs to name a few from the Kansas side and of course Kansas City, Sedalia, Maryville, Blue Springs, etc from the Missouri side. Thank you Kansas City!                                         

Here are some of my fellow Red Cross Volunteers in action at the telethon:

Linda Leach and I partner up on Thursday evenings to provide DAT coverage for KC. DATs respond to local emergencies such as fires, floods and yes... tornados!

Sherri Odell is one of our amazing volunteers that does everything from Logisitics to DAT to media relations! You may have caught her interview live from the telethon during the 9pm KMBC Channel 9 newscast.

If you look closely you can see Darren Ashlock under the Free Sign.

I did my best to avoid the cameras but I hear that some of my friends spotted me on the news anyway. Oh well, at least they caught my good side (backside)! :)  Have I mentioned how proud I am to be a Red Cross Volunteer?

Didn't catch the telethon and still want to make a donation? You still can! People who wish to make a donation can support American Red Cross Disaster Relief, which helps provide food, shelter and emotional support to those affected by disasters like the recent tornadoes in Oklahoma and Texas as well as disasters big and small throughout the United States by visiting redcross.org, dialing 1-800-REDCROSS or texting REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. You can visit the Red Cross facebook page for more information.

Currently, there many opportunties in the Kansas City area to help including a water bottle drive hosted by KCTV5 as well as an upcoming Royals game where donations will be accepted.

                         

"Take 5 to Care: Helping Oklahoma" launched at noon Tuesday. You can take your bottled water to their studio at 4500 Shawnee Mission Parkway in Fairway, KS until midnight Wednesday May 22, 2013.

                                  

Royals Charities will support local relief efforts for Moore, Okla., with a $10,000 donation to Heart to Heart International. In addition, the Royals will host fundraising efforts during the home series against Angels, May 23-26. All in-stadium fundraising will be directed to the American Red Cross. How to help: http://atmlb.com/10TFKOx.

Before making a donation please verify the organization is valid. Unfortunately with disasters comes thiefs, thugs and scammers. For official information from Moore Oklahoma, please visit their Facebook Page. https://www.facebook.com/cityofmoore. Please check with officials before volunteering or sending any donations.

And please if you haven't done so already and you live in tornado alley... please download the tornado app from the Red Cross. It's one of many useful resources during bad weather!

Be safe!