Helpless...

Please watch this.

I didn't want to watch it. I knew what I would see, and I knew that it would be overwhelmingly heart-wrenching. But I watched it anyway. Because why should I be immune? Why shouldn't I share some of the load of the pain? It's the least I can do.

The last few seconds, seeing those 3 gulls, completely covered in thick oil, with only little eyes peeking out and tiny holes over their nostrils as they struggle for every breath...

I can't stop crying. I'm at work for pete's sake, sitting behind my desk blubbering like a baby, hoping somebody doesn't walk in and ask me what's wrong.

I feel so helpless. I want to DO something. I want to quit my job and go down there and find the poor little animals and wash them off. I have water and I can buy a case of dishwashing liquid and drive the 2 hours. But there are licenses and certifications required... all kinds of red tape. I have to ask, wouldn't my careful, inexperienced washing of some birds be better than them just dying in the oil? Isn't it worth it to take the risk of letting people help, as opposed to certain death?

And I feel so angry. I'm so angry at whoever is responsible for this. I'm so angry at the carelessness.

These innocent little animals deserve better than this.

God, forgive us all.