12:02pm | Our city is overwhelmed with grief and exhaustion in the wake of the recent local and global tragedies. The aftermath of the recent tsunami in Japan continues to transpire, resulting in catastrophic loss for thousands of people and incomprehensible destruction for thousands more. However, it is not the perplexity of the event that keeps many of us from fully understanding the gravity of these recent events; it is our proximity.
Distance leaves us out of reach, and often out of touch. We feel compelled to help, but also limited in how we can lend tangible support to those who are experiencing these calamities first hand. As a society, we tend to impulsively throw money at things that we can’t fully comprehend. And while giving money may not bring us any sense of understanding, human loss that occurs close to home allows us to better empathize on a smaller scale with those who are dealing with the tragic aftermath in Japan.
Two weeks ago, the lives of five influential men from Long Beach were lost in less than 24 hours from each other. First came the news of the death of 41-year-old legendary hip-hop singer Nate Dogg, whose impact spans both on a local and global level, having contributed immensely to the world of hip-hop music. Then came word of Wilson High School’s beloved art teacher, Rick Vandruff, who lost his brave battle with a rare brain disease, Creutzfeldt-Jakob. And, finally, a plane crash occurred at Long Beach Airport that claimed the lives of five men, three of them with local ties: Long Beach native Mark Bixby and Long Beach businessmen Jeff Berger and Tom Dean.
Despite the deep pain and grief that many are experiencing, there has been a tremendous outpouring of love and support felt in Long Beach. This city has displayed itself as a one that is both richly diverse and strongly unified. People have taken to the streets for vigils and prayers and have bestowed many kind words and actions of support. How can one not be proud to be a part of this city? The worst of situations has only brought us closer together. The recent display of unity in our city is something that makes Long Beach uniquely beautiful.
As we reflect upon the many losses that took place this past month, it’s imperative to keep in mind that the injustice doesn’t stop there. There are countless lives within our city that are marked by pain and loneliness and suffering. Yet there are so many people in our city that are consistently giving themselves for the sake of others. In Long Beach, we seem to believe deep down in the profound truth: that “to live is to give.” Our city’s families, neighbors, teachers, nurses, businesses, nonprofits and many other unsung heros deserve our gratitude now. Tragedies like those that occurred recently can teach us that tomorrow is not promised, and that today is our opportunity to voice our love toward the ones that mean the most to us.
Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, one of today’s great world leaders, does a great job of discussing what people remember most in the midst of loss and tragedy:
The people that we most love and remember are the people who enhanced the lives of others.
There has been a similar common thread between the many conversations and memories surrounding the plane crash victims and others. Hopefully we can continue to come together as a city united and use these events as an opportunity to display our love and gratitude to those individuals in our own lives who are uniquely and daily enhancing us.
Please feel free to share with your city (via this post) about the lives of love that have shaped and enhanced you.