Editorial
Editorial by Tamara Sniffin
January 21st, 2010
Why does someone else’s misfortune prod us into appreciating what is good in our lives?
With the recent earthquake in Haiti who hasn’t contemplated what they would do in a similar scenario?
Nothing much has been left to the imagination with the deluge of graphic details and images the media is bombarding us with. And as awful as it is to watch, we can do nothing but be captivated by the daily dramas of survival that unfold before us. The gamete of emotions we feel range from elation when a live but broken body is pulled from the rubble, while tears well when a grief stricken mother succumbs to the gravity of her breaking heart. How many of us mentally replay these images and think, my God that could be me, my God that could be my son, my God this could be my home? For some of us emotions of compassion and sorrow for these victims conflict with a guilty appreciation for thinking “Thank God it wasn’t me.” How many of us have since then looked at our loved ones and community with a new affection?
As devastating as it is, each and every one of us has been forced to do some soul searching over the last week since the earthquake. Why does it take a disaster of such magnitude to remind us to be thankful for what and who we have in our lives? Does it take someone else’s misfortune to prod us into appreciating what is good in our lives? Why is it that when all is good and right in the day we just don’t stop for a second and breathe a sigh of gratitude?
Chances are this is a common reaction that has stirred emotions throughout the history of man when the reality of life’s misfortunes prompts us into re-evaluating our own. When we all feel so helpless in coming to the aid of people in distress and wonder how or why a disaster like this could ever happen perhaps we need to take to heart the lesson we are learning right now and hold it near and dear at all times. When we embrace all there is to be thankful for each and every day not only are we counting our blessing but making the most of our lives.
With the global community coming to the rescue with millions of dollars raised and volunteers flocking to their aid these generous contributions are a testament to another day well lived by all those who could only watch from the sidelines. Our hearts go out to the victims of one of Mother Earth’s fitful shakes and each day that we keep them in our thoughts, as well as taking stock of our own good fortune is a day worth living.
San Pedro Sun 
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