Haiti and how it effects me.

I have been, like most people, watching the news about the devastation in Haiti. Although I don't have family, friends or ties to Haiti I have been especially effected by the stories of the elderly.
I know that this stems from my Mom. I have that desire like a childless woman desires to have a baby. I am an orphaned child who desires that relationship, maybe with someone who has no one.
I read an article about a group of elderly people who survived the collapse of the nursing home where they lived only to lay outside and die with no food and water. No diaper changes since the earthquake and the rats coming after them. Younger people stealing what they do have while they lie there unable to stop them.
Then this morning I listened as it was reported that orphans will be brought to the United States for care. I started crying. Everyone wants to take care of babies. Which is a good thing but I need an older person to take care of.
Now there is not a lot I can do in Haiti but there are nursing homes and neighborhoods with older people in my community that don't have anyone to visit them, send a card, bring some flowers etc. So I decided this morning to write and encourage everyone to do what you can for Haiti and then maybe doing something in your community too. I am going to send a letter to the Committee on Aging and some of the Nursing homes in my area and see if they can match me with someone who maybe needs me as much as I need them.
I am doing this in honor of my mother Oleta Hollis who would be turning 82 on February 4, 2010.