The China Earthquake measuring 7.8 on the Ritcher Scale, sent shockwaves across the world. I honestly had a shock that the Earthquake of such magnitude happened and of all times occuring slightly more than a week after Cyclone Nargis. Watching the news on tvmobile or on Channel News Asia just portrayed a very grim outlook of death and towards the hope of finding survivors under the rubble. But in The Sunday Times, World section, the article heading, "I had to save myself" really caught my attention. After being trapped under the debris and rubble for about 100 hours, Mr Peng Zhijun was rescued on Friday, still conscious with a sober state of mind, that to me is a miracle.
Firstly, his determination and will to live really touched me. From the point of the Earthquake to his rescue, he made the decision to stay alive, no matter what. His 'never say die' attitude is so prominent and overwhelming. He searched for 'potential food-sources' which ended up being cigarettes and a few paper napkins and drinking his own urine from his shoe just to ensure survival.
Secondly, that he could even manage a 'twist' for the cameras despite all that he has been through is so impressive and something that we should all emulate. And no, I do not mean to be trapped under rubble for 5 days just so that we can pose for the camera, but the spirit of positivity and of hope.
To still be able to think of the best of things despite his dire situation makes me feel guilty of all the complaints listed in my mental list whilst sitting on my bed typing away on the laptop in an air conditioned room. If I were in his shoes, I would have lost all hope and desire to live. Seeing his attitude towards this whole ordeal has taught me, or rather changed my attitude towards all the smaller problems in life, be it quarrels with parents, squabbles with friends or that I cannot seem to raise my GPA to a 3.6. It all boils down to the attitude we adopt. With a stinking attitude nothing can be accomplished. But with one of perserverance, desire and hope, things can be achieved, even in the worst of circumstances.
