The earthquake in Haiti is yet another reminder of the sudden tragedy that can disrupt lives and haunt memories forever.
At times like this, people are often forced to reflect on their lives, think about those they love, wonder what they would do in that situation, and how they can help.
Many people jump to help in any way they can, by following the news, spreading tweets and facebook messages, making donations or simply keeping those effected in their thoughts or prayers.
Some people carry on, unaffected because it hasn't directly touched them.
The Tsunami that devastated this region, the cylcone in Myanmar, floods in Indonesia, typhoons that struck Vietnam; these might all hit closer to home for many, but nevertheless, all of these events have something in common: They were all sudden and unpreventable.
It could happen anytime, anywhere, and when we least expect it. You could be sitting in your home, sleeping, reading, laughing, when suddenly, all hell breaks loose.
Events like these can bring out the best in the human spirit.
Unfortunately, they can also bring out the worst.
Donations have flooded in to aid those in Haiti, international disaster and relief teams have rushed to help, the UN has sent peace keeping troops in, volunteers have made tremendous efforts to help locate and reunite those who are missing, and survivors have been pulled from rubble by rescue workers. There have been many miracles within the tragedy. Sadly, there have also been the unfortunate cases of fraudulent people who are taking advantage of this situation to cash in on peoples kindheartedness. The good in some people is the bad in others.
I often feel helpless when things like this happen, inspired by the actions of many, and disheartened by those of a few.
Haiti is another reminder of how little control we have on our lives, on mother nature, and on the unimaginable.
It has been heart-wrenching to watch the events unfold through the news. In the coming weeks, we will likely hear less and less about the effects of this earthquake which will last indefinitely longer. Peoples entire lives have been unraveled, children are orphaned, loved ones missing, and an unthinkable amount of people are no longer with us.
Long after the story is making headlines, people will still be suffering. I only hope that their memories are kept and that the help doesn't stop. There are many ways to play a part in helping, from praying to whoever you might believe in to making online contributions. My heart goes out to those in Haiti suffering from this terrible occurrence.
Let this serve as a reminder that there are countless people who need the help and support of others. Right here in Vietnam, there are people that need a helping hand. Hopefully, it doesn't take a tragedy for us to get involved in the community and in the world.
The world is flooded with issues such as genocide in Darfur, war in Afghanistan and Iraq, civil unrest in Iran, the Israeli/Palestinian conflict, and countless others. Plenty of people need help, and those of us in a position to do so, owe them to try.
It is easy to get sidetracked in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, but if you ever need a hand, think about who's going to help. When the story stops making front pages, that doesn't mean it's over. The suffering has only just begun in Haiti, and there are long roads to face up ahead.
None of us are immune to tragedy, but all of us are capable of helping out, somewhere and somehow.
