In the wake of Hurricane Irene, I’ve realized just how much I take for granted; electricity at the flick of a switch, and clean running water for example. Gathering clean water to brush our teeth and wash our faces is a pain and yet further evidence that I would have been a terrible pioneer. To large portions of the world these are unheard of luxuries.  It makes me realize how easy I have it, and it's quite humbling.

But there is something else that has become evident during this experience, people banding together to help one another.  I started noticing it pre-Hurricane Saturday at Home Depot as customers were helping one another figure out what they would need to prepare for Irene, and offering items out of their own carts that were not needed.  But post Irene is when it really emerged. It's been mentioned here a few times this week, how the working moms group in town has rallied to offer support for fellow residents who may have suffered more damage and loss.  Offers of a place to shower and charge cell phones and computers from those who have power and water, as well as offers to lend equipment are plentiful. The offers have been made to people who aside from being on a listserv together are often total strangers.

 I am heartened to see the generosity and sense of belonging that this community has created, not only for us but also for our kids.  Rather than paying lip service to the idea of helping our neighbors these moms are modeling it for their kids.   Character is learned at home; no amount of character building or scouting programs can take the place of a parent.  And when we model this behavior to our kids, chances are they will in turn do something kind and unselfish that further builds our community.  

D.W. McMillan & D.M. Chavis published their theory regarding communities entitled 'Sense of community: A definition and theory’ in the American Journal of Community Psychology.  Their definition is a "Sense of Community is a feeling that members have of belonging, a feeling that members matter to one another and to the group, and a shared faith that members' needs will be met through their commitment to be together."  

 As we recover from the mess of Irene, I hope we don’t lose the sense of community that this disaster inadvertently fostered, but nuture it.  We should be proud of our reaction as a community.