OPINION> Commentary
Love stronger than quake
(China Daily)
Updated: 2008-05-21 07:18

The earthquake that jolted Sichuan province last Monday is undoubtedly one of the nation's worst disasters in recent decades. The disaster touches everyone's heart, and the Chinese nation has been united in coping with its common plight, extending help and praying for more people to survive, says an article in Xinhua News Agency. The following is an excerpt:

Tears swelled in my eyes when I saw towns and cities were flattened and children of my son's age were buried in the rubble.

Yet we gasped at the courage, wisdom and perseverance of some survivors: a 6-year-old who nibbled at an apple for more than 40 hours in the ruins until she was pulled out by rescuers; a senior high school boy who calmly told the other boys to "be brave" and the girls "not to cry" and wrenched open a crumbling wall through which 33 classmates escaped.

While we lament over the lost lives, we feel clearly the human nature of love, even amid disaster.

Love helped a 3-year-old girl survive the quake, underneath the dead bodies of her parents.

Love saved a child in the arms of his kindergarten teacher, who sandwiched himself between the boy and a falling floor slab and died.

Driven by love, a businesswoman risked her life to enter her ruined store to find cloth for shrouds to preserve the dignity of the dead.

Chinese compatriots across the globe have opened their wallets to donate cash.By last Wednesday, Beijingers had filled the city's blood bank and authorities had to tell the waiting crowds to leave their phone numbers and wait until more blood is needed.

Where there is life, there is hope. Supplies are being airdropped and communication is being restored in the quake-hit regions. We hope our nation will make it through the trial.

(China Daily 05/21/2008 page10)