Hurricane María was devastating, that much we (Puerto Ricans) and the world knows. Houses flooded and communities went underwater, trees fell, and classes have picked up again (just like this news article said) even though some resources are lacking. We know of the precarious medical conditions many live in, but we can’t accept that someone–close to us–might be living them too. Why is it that when someone makes the choice of leaving we think of it as giving up? I wrote about this once, and many praised me, but I thought that for sure it would help people erase that prejudice off their minds. Yes, there’s a percentage of a population living in hard (extremely hard) conditions right now. But why, oh why, are we condemning those that leave?
Just recently, I saw a headline in of our newspapers that read “Huyen de la crisis”. Fleeing, as if we were scared and didn’t want to deal with it. That headline made me squeamish; I almost threw up because of how angry I was. The story opened with the tale of a young mother, who had an 11-month-old baby, that was leaving because she couldn’t find food for her baby. That’s what the newspaper calls fleeing? I see that as an act of desperation, a last resort. Many wouldn’t believe this, but, while some towns were inaccessible, food was scarce where I lived. However, because of how it looks on the outside, nobody is bringing water, food, or supplies. Therefore, some left. Not because we wanted to flee or because we gave up.
Some left because they were in search of communication.
Some left because they were in search of a healthy opportunity and a bit of comfort while they picked themselves up.
Some left because it’s a mouth less to feed, a body less to consume water supply, and a car less making a line for gas.
Some left because “allá afuera” they have signal and can stay in contact with loved ones on the island.
Some left because there, they have the power to contact those that want to help; because at a distance you can still help.
La Isla del Encanto will rise again, stronger than ever, but we will do so by doing things right and not by questioning those that have chosen to distance themselves. There are numerous relief funds directed towards rebuilding our beautiful country of Puerto Rico. It is up to us, the ones that are far away, to reach out to those that can donate, so they can do so. It is up to you, the ones still on the Island, to relieve people from their grief, anxiety, and bring peace to those who need it.
Some left, but we didn’t give up. After María, none of us will.