Memz's Small World!

Tears, Inspiration and Hope!

I first heard of the tsunami just a few minutes before I left to Calgary. Reading and listening to the first report about the tragedy I was shocked, hurt and sad. As the days past in, all I heard was a continuous increase in the number of victims. The first report I heard of an estimated number of around 10,000 dead. By the time I arrived back in Hamilton it was up to 130,000 dead.

One of the sayings in Egypt says, numbers are statistics while people’s experiences are the essence. I guess it doesnt make that much sense translated!

The numbers I was hearing were scary, but it wasnt the essence of the tragedy. I have just spent the last few hours watching a program called Voices of Tsunami. The program was about the stories of individuals in South East Asia. I was in tears as I was watching and listening to the tragedy of how the tsunami destroyed and affected the lifes of many. Tears when I was watching clips from the affected areas with bodies all over the place. Tears hearing how family members flew all around the world to find their loved ones.

Yet, hearing and learning about the heroic stories of individuals trying to help the people around them although they are threatening their lives filled me with pride of being a human being and inspired me. The most important part was seeing how people are starting to coupe with the new reality and are embracing the future supporting each other.

The world has many ways for us to learn and numerous ways for us to have an impact on the world. I hope we are all able to learn from the tragedies, support fellow humans and have an impact on the world around us.

Chef!

posted by Memz @ 1/09/2005 07:57:36 PM