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2008-09-18 11:35:47
POJ Administrative Staff
As you read this short passage, we attempt to convey to you a message. It may slip your mind; therefore we consider it worth reiteration. The message reads, “Cherish life, for we are alive.” Unfortunately, this message could no longer reach tens of thousands—the earthquake of magnitude 8.0 Ms that jolted southwestern China a week ago has eliminated any possibility.
We cannot imagine what kinds of fear would fill our brains if we were buried in the debris of a collapsed building. We cannot envisage how much pain would strike our hearts if we lost our beloved in a brief and sudden moment, either. To us, these must be some of the most overwhelming human feelings.
In spite of the general sadness incurred by the loss of lives, these days, our souls have been continually uplifted by stories of survivors being discovered and rescued. Rather than qualifying them merely as miracles, we would like to believe that these are the rewards of fate to those who fight bravely and persistently against misfortune with great eagerness for life.
Today, we mourn the earthquake victims and express our condolences to their relatives for the vanished lives. Still more importantly, we desire that our consolations and encouragements would help the survivors recover from traumas and rebuild their confidence in life. Also, we hope that those who are less affected by the catastrophe would better understand the value of life and cherish it even more. These simple thoughts constitute the intent of our message to you.
May the departed rest in peace and the alive be strong-minded.
