It's been pretty sad couple of weeks. (Mom, don't read this one, you'll probably cry)
Yesterday morning, at around 7:00am they found one of the boys that fell off of Paritutu Rock. It had been 15 days since they fell off, and he washed up on shore. It was the boy from Brazilas an exchange student. It's so scary to think of what it's been like for the family and friends of his. Many people I know didn't know them personally, but I know this has effected us all. It goes from the students who went on TOPEC (the camp/company that does the climbing) last year and did the same thing the boys were doing, to people like me, who are exchange students.
There's a lot of things that are sad about this event. 3 people have lost their lives, one lost his because he tried to help the other two. It's sad because one was an exchange student, who was supposed to go home weeks ago, but asked his family to stay longer. It's horrible what all of the families (and friends) must be going through, how much they're hurting. These people were children, brothers, and one was a husband and a father. I cannot imagine how they're feeling.
I've realized within the last couple weeks of the things that could happen to me, don't worry I'm careful and cautious, but it just had me thinking that at any point, even when I go home, something could go wrong. I know I'm scaring my mother with this post, I know she's probably crying even. But I've realized that life is way to short. I'm so glad I've come to New Zealand to experience what I am, because, like I said, life is too short and we need to live it to the fullest that we can.
I'm grateful that my mom and my host family are giving me such a great experience.
In addition, this is not the only sad thing that's happened to New Zealand in the past two odd weeks. I believe that 6 of New Zealand's troops have been killed in Afghanistan, one of them being the first woman in what I believe they said to have been 30+ years.
I don't understand all of the deaths. It's not needed or wanted.
I'm so sorry that things have been so sad around you. This is supposed to be such a happy time for you, but bad things happen and it really doesn't make sense. You're right -- it is important to live life to the fullest. I also try to appreciate every little moment of joy as it happens and then reflect on those moments before I fall asleep at night.
ReplyDeleteHow sad! And yes, it really hurts when you think of all the other people impacted by tragedies like this. I'm glad you're being careful and cautious. When I think back to some of the things I did when I was a lot younger (mainly things involving cars and traveling) it makes me shudder! I agree with Cari---we need to savor every joyful moment of our lives.
ReplyDeleteBetsy