Year of the Rat
May 14, 2008
To say that this has been a difficult year for the Chinese people would be a complete understatement; simply put, the Year of the Rat has been absolutely devastating. First off, during the Chinese New Year, China was hit with the worst snow storm in 50 years bringing much of the southern country to a complete standstill. Transportation, communication and all necessary rations were damaged and hundreds of thousands of people suffered greatly because of this. Next (which many of you may not have heard about) was a recent train accident just outside of Shanghai that killed almost 300 people and has been claimed the worst train accident in Chinese history. Then we have all the Olympic/Tibetan turmoil that has really divided ideologies of many living here and has put a real negative media spin (whether deserved or not) to the country itself. And now, finally, the absolutely devastating earthquake in Chengdu, which currently has estimated at least 10 000 people have lost their lives - to which those numbers will only get worse. This earthquake is a horrible tragedy and one can only hope that all the people affected are getting the best help they need and deserve. Registering 7.9 on the Richter Scale, this is easily the largest earthquake to hit China since the devastating 1976 earthquake in Tangshan, which killed over 250 000 people. While I may question how business gets done by the Chinese government from time to time, I certainly feel extremely sorry for them right now. They have been hit with a lot of horrible tragedies in a time when they are supposed to be celebrating. The Year of the Rat was supposed to be a year of celebration but it certainly looks as though the Rat has other plans. While this devastating event will certainly overshadow the Games a little, I sincerely hope that nothing else happens between now and then so all involved can take that time to enjoy themselves and celebrate their first-ever Olympiad. The Chinese people deserve those two weeks to just enjoy themselves and cheer on their favorite athletes. Year of the Rat, what have you done?
Click here for more on the 1976 Tangshan earthquake.
The earthquake is an unbelievable tragedy and has affected some of our employees whose families lived very near the epicenter. Craig, do you remember Bill? He is anxiously awaiting news of his brother and parents. Papa and I are so relieved that you are all safe and well away from the devastation. It does give one pause to think seriously on the impermanent nature of life and to resolve to live fully in the moment.
Comment by Gramma Judy — May 15, 2008 @ 12:46 am