So, we are all aware of the tragedy of what is going on in CA over the last week or so. Massive fires tearing apart neighborhoods. Lost life, lost possessions, lost way of life. It is horrible to imagine the misery and fear that has been brought about.

In my neck of the woods, we face a yearly threat of massive hurricane’s which can bring about flooding, lost housing, lost possessions and potentially, loss of life.

Last year, part of Maui, a beautiful piece of paradise, was partially destroyed by wildfires that could not be contained. For whatever the reason, there was loss of homes, possessions, and life.

In NY, not that many years ago, we all witnessed Super Storm Sandy. Lost homes, lost possessions, lost life and a change in how homes can be rebuilt in certain areas.

Regardless of location, regardless of type of storm or natural disaster, there is loss. Our way of life is altered and the reality sets in, that we as humans are powerless, at times, to Mother Nature.

For me, it is a simple realization that nature rules. We can try to prepare, we can think we are safe, but when the inevitable eventually happens, it is the same. We are shocked, we are hurt (physically and emotionally) and we stand in awe as to what just happened. But the reality, we are just beings on this planet and Nature will always win. If we damage this planet, Mother Nature takes its revenge. It may be unfair, but the balance of nature will always win.

What we can do at the very least, is help our fellow beings and our animal neighbors and share what we can to help those that survive to ensure we can carry on as best as we can. Being part of Gotham to me means helping and our Gotham Foundation is a great way to express your help to those in need. Let’s do our part to help others and keep Mother Nature on our side.