Those Who Write Stories From Tragedies

I've been watching the TV journalists bring us story after story from Haiti. Tragedy breeds stories--some of them heartrending, some triumphant, and some unbelievable. But the stories are there and uncovered by the journalists who hurriedly packed a bag, hopped on a plane and arrived on the scene of the aftermath of the horrendous earthquake.

These reporter/writers search out the stories to bring to the watching public. They don't sit at a desk and write like many authors. They're on the scene, listen for tips from people in the area, then move in to find the story and tell it in a mere handful of words. These 'writers' don't get the admiration they deserve. They bring stories to us under the most difficult conditions. They move in during or after hurricanes, floods, airline disasters, major earthquakes and forest fires.

Think of the war correspondents who report the many human interest stories in war-torn countries. They do their job while also risking their own lives. They gamble and more than a few have lost. Surviving family members at home may not ever understand what drove their loved one to journey into harm's way to do a job. Perhaps only one of the other journalists in the same war zone can understand what drives a person to do this.

They do the world a great service by making others aware of the personal side of some of these tragic events. Because no matter what type of tragedy it may be, everyday human beings are affected. Humanitarian aid increases when people witness these stories while watching their TV or reading a newspaper. The personal stories of victims moves the heart and increases the dollar amounts given.

I salute these journalists, and I hope you will, too.