I feel like I haven't done enough...

Anyone else feel like this?
I've donated $40 worth of diapers, my family's foundation has donated to the Red Cross at my urging, and I had thought about fostering a cat displaced by Katrina ( a large number of them are arriving in Chicago tomorrow). After talking to my husband and really doing some critical thinking, we decided it was best not to foster at this time--for us and for our resident cats. Having just moved, Emma is still a little touchy and needs extra love right now and needs a routine so she can feel safe. Bringing another cat into the house would definitely throw that off for her, and she'd probably regress in the great progress she has made in the past week with becoming acclimated to the new house, not to mention all the progress she has made in the past few months integrating into our family, poor little thing was just so scared at first.
Plus, my husband has a lot of long hours scheduled in the next month or so, and I just started my second year of graduate school, so I'm working at home during the day and at school at night Mon thru Thurs from 5 to 9. I'd hate for the foster kitty to be alone for that long. Plus, I've just applied for a part-time retail job, trying to cut back on my freelance PR/Marketing work as its taking up too much time I need to be doing schoolwork.


Long story short, I just feel guilty, like I haven't done enough. Growing up in Florida and witnessing firsthand the devastation of hurricane Andrew as well as the three hurricanes that hit my town last summer, I guess I just have a special soft spot for the people and pets affected by Katrina...it's just hard to feel like I've done enough when so many people need so much. And then, I feel guilty for feeling guilty (I know, crazy) because I should just be grateful that I'm safe and healthy with a roof over my head, and shouldn't be feeling sorry for myself because I can't foster a cat.

I either need a hug, a smack back into reality, or a stiff drink. Since its 10 AM, I guess I'll go for the hug. Let's see which one of the cats will let me snuggle on them.....

Don't be so hard on yourself. At least you've done something and right now you've given all that you can give.

You get a great big hug from me, we could both use it right about now!
Bless you for all you're doing to help these good people involved in this tragedy. I share your feelings. I feel very guilty for simply having a shower and sleeping in a bed last night, not to mention this glass of cold water I have here. This is such a devastating time for so many.

I understand what you are feeling. One person can only do so much, and you have done more than so many already! Sounds like we all need a big group hug!

It's okay! You've done what you can for the hurricane victims.

I do feel like I could suggest though, that there may be people in your own city who could use help. What about volunteering some time to help people in your neighborhood?

www.volunteermatch.com is a good place to start IMO.

Just a suggestion.

just think of it this way...you've done more than our president has.

There are pet food organizations that are sending food over when special deals are bought by consumers. I just got an alert about it earlier today.

I think you were wise to pass off fostering at this time. These cats are not going to be well-adjusted, they are going to be in shock, traumatized, have behavioral problems, you name it. The first time it storms in your area- who knows what will happen?

Uncle Fester is helping to transport these cats after his next run to PA- he will be bringing me some in the next few weeks.

My point is, we do what we can with what we have. No one can ask you to do more, not even you-

Originally Posted by PoisonGirl

just think of it this way...you've done more than our president has.

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I'm not a big fan of George W. but I gotta say he has to have broad shoulders because he seems to get blamed for a lot he does or doesn't do. He's danged if he does and danged if he don't.

I can't imagine how he can be responsible for everything wrong in the world, but that's what I see and read a lot here.

Poor man. Glad I'm not walking a mile in his shoes!

I don't think anyone who has watched the news, Oprah, or the hurricane special that was on, could keep from feeling guilty regardless of what they've given or done. I feel guilty for just going on with my life and being able to turn it all off when it gets to be too much, and I think that unless I was down there and personally rescued people or gave them food/water, I'll feel guilty for not doing enough. Even then, I couldn't save everyone or feed everyone and I'd feel guilty for those I couldn't get to. I think it's just human to want to help every single person and animal survivor.

I was watching the news coverage the other day while drinking my bottle of water and felt real guilty.

You have done more than many. I have done nothing yet. I will be donating soon. My husband's employer is going to match all employee donations, so as soon as I get the info on that, I will donate so I get more bang for my buck. I have started to go through my pantry to see what I have to donate to local shelters. They are feeling the pinch as all current donations are going to Katrina. I will probably buy some staples at grocery store the next time I go and also dump them in the food bin there, but as of right now, there have been no donations of any type from my household.

I think you deserve cheers for what you HAVE done, and stop worrying what you haven't done.

Hey All,
Glad to hear I'm not the only one with such strong feelings about this. I called the Salvation Army to see if they needed any help organizing things, and they are opening an Intake Center today for people displaced by Katrina, people are being bused in by the hundreds to Chicago, and I'm going to go down to the center on Saturday to help hand out food and hopefully just try to make these people feel welcome, talk to them, play with the kids.
Anyone in the US-- no matter how far away you are from Katrina's landfall, chances are a similar center is being set up in your hometown--if you want to help, contact your local Salvation Army or Red Cross, or check volunteermatch.org to get the specifics about your local intake center and their needs.

Originally Posted by Yosemite

I'm not a big fan of George W. but I gotta say he has to have broad shoulders because he seems to get blamed for a lot he does or doesn't do. He's danged if he does and danged if he don't.

I can't imagine how he can be responsible for everything wrong in the world, but that's what I see and read a lot here.

Poor man. Glad I'm not walking a mile in his shoes!

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Boy, do I have to agree. This man has been our president through not 1, but 2 unprecented disasters in our country - Sept. 11 and Katrina. What folks don't seem to get is that some things are just too vast to be prepared for. I guess there are those who would blame him if the sun failed to rise in the morning, too.

I agree with you Yosemite and Deb - he is only human, not a god. You cannot judge the president for what he does or doesn't do unless you have done it for yourself. Hey at least he is trying his best, he even goes out and comforts the victims, hugs and kisses them!

Originally Posted by Deb25

Boy, do I have to agree. This man has been our president through not 1, but 2 unprecented disasters in our country - Sept. 11 and Katrina. What folks don't seem to get is that some things are just too vast to be prepared for. I guess there are those who would blame him if the sun failed to rise in the morning, too.

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Same here! I believe you can NOT ever be prepared for events such as these. All you can do is to try to help the best you can. Every little bit helps.

I'm saving my opinion on the pres for the IMO thread.

Congrats on finding more ways to help. That sounds really interesting, let us all know how it goes!