Out of the Rubbles

In the face of great adversity or calamity, people usually band together regardless of differences in race, ethnicity, gender, income, religious affiliation, income levels, or political alliances. In the light of the horrific recent natural disasters in Asia, this ability to set aside our differences is demonstrated again and again. Even internally in places which have been repressed.

But I am truly moved and inspired by this recent New York Times article about a Chinese couple whose marriage was falling apart but was able to survived being trapped under the rubbles of the earthquake for 28 hours. Prior to the disaster, the couple rarely saw each other since the husband traveled much for work while the wife took care of their daughter. But during the pivotal hours trapped under their building, they encouraged each other to cling to life and live for their family. Although the wife's arm inevitably had to be amputated since it was crushed under the husband's body for many hours, the couple was extremely lucky to survive at all and acquired a new beginning for their relationship.

I guess it's human nature to not see what we have and look at what we lack. Sometimes it does take some catastrophe to realign our values and put into perspective what truly matters. For this couple the earthquake in China was truly life changing.