We sent off 2014 in the midst of disasters and ushered in the New Year that is full of crises. I am sure many of you are like me, uncertain and fidgety about what is in store for us in the near and distant future.
At this moment, I am beside myself with ambivalent feelings. A part of me is feeling helpless about the vulnerability of human lives, and the other part of me is grateful that I am still alive like many other fortunate ones. Last year, some of my relatives and friends succumbed to cancer, and their passing makes me realize how weak we are in the face of illnesses, wars and disasters.
There is no doubt that human has made great strides in science and technology. However innovative our inventions are, they can do very little in protecting our lives in weather-related disasters. In this regard, we should also factor in human errors. To date, most of the air disasters were caused by technological glitches, which reflect the inconsistency of human technology. Our lives are as tenuous as spider webs and there is nothing we can do if any of these disasters befalls us. Hence, we should treasure every minute of our lives. To avoid having regrets, be thankful that we are alive and love each other to the fullest.
The sight of my parents’ greying hair sends a stab of guilt through my heart. They are getting old but I have always been up to mischief and made them worry about me. Day in and day out, they work around the clock to make sure that I am well-clothed, well-fed and have a good education. One rainy Sunday last year, after berating me for watching too much television, my mother launched into a coughing fit that raked her body. I had a sudden urge to hug her and say sorry but my stubborn - self did not dispose me to do so. I felt bad and could not sleep well that night. Papa, Mama, forgive me for having caused you a lot of trouble, and in this New Year, I promise to turn over a new leaf by being a better child. I will study hard and make both of you...