Where There is Love, There is Hope

Posted by admin as Hot Cities

On the afternoon of May 12, I felt the ground beneath me shake. For the safety of my family, I urged them to depart for our hometown and away from the danger. However, my parents refused to leave.
On the 15th, I visited my customer in a nearby hospital and watched as doctors and nurses rushed to tend the injured and give emergency care to earthquake victims. Feeling waves of emotion, I offered my support and joined as a volunteer. I helped move the wounded, offered comfort to the injured, and distributed medical supplies and food, and whatever else was needed.
Amidst the volunteers, I ran into a girl called Xiao Songshu (“Little Squirrel”), who’s still only in high school. Xiao Songshu had already been volunteering for a day. Not strong enough to help lift the wounded and injured, she ran alongside gurneys holding bags of IV fluid. Xiao Songshu told me her wishes were simple: all she desired to do was lend a helping hand. That day we worked till one o’clock in the morning.
Having experience with external medicine, I wanted to go to the frontline to help. On the 17th, I came to one of the hardest hit villages in the Du Jiang Yan area. I worked with other volunteers tending and treating the wounded. Many wounds were already badly infected, and at the time I thought I should have brought the Avalox or Ciprobay antibiotics.
I was deeply moved by all the volunteers. Those around me, all of different backgrounds and from different places, were here together, united around a common cause filled with warmth and love in their hearts. Due to the severity of the situation, we hardly spoke, focusing intensely on our work. Only when there was a successful rescue, everyone erupted into a burst of happiness and cheers. In such a highly emotional state, many could not help but shed tears.
On the afternoon of May 18, we arrived at a small mountain village and found an injured, elderly man. We tried to persuade him to come with us and treat his injuries, but to no avail. He instead pointed behind him at the remnants of a house, and said, “Three generations of my family are buried there. I will not leave.” Upon hearing this, I finally understood why my parents insisted on staying with me; despite the danger, they at least have the comfort of knowing I am around.
To overcome times of extreme hardship, we must all trust and believe in life and love. With love comes hope, and only with hope may we endure and prevail.

by — Fan Fei