But Why?

By Clare Meckler, Ethiopia.

Today the two-year-old child died.

"But why?" we ask.

Because he was severely dehydrated.

But why?

Because he had diarrhea.

But why?

Because he drank dirty water.

But why?

Because his ten-year-old sister was too weak to fetch clean water from the distant spring.

But why?

Because she's extremely anemic... because of intestinal parasites... because of unsanitary conditions.

So why didn't the older brother go and get clean water for the family?

Because he didn't know the nearby muddy water harbored disease.

And why didn't he know?

Because he never had a chance to go to school and learn about microbes... because he had to work all day to eke out a meager crop for the family's food... because erosion depleted the soil... because the trees were cut down for cooking fuel.

And why didn't the mother took the sick child to the clinic?

Because she had no money for medicine.

Why not?

Because her husband had died... because of tetanus... because he stepped on a thorn... because he had no shoes.


~At times, we really do not know how lucky we are today to be here. To be born in Brunei, this peaceful country. To be able to grow up and live to this age. To be able to have mother and father(although not everyone). To be able to drink clean water. To be able to go to hospital when we're sick. To be able to walk with shoes. To be able to go to school and learn new things each day. To be able to breathe fresh air. To be able to use car as our transport. To be able to sleep under air-conditioned room and wake up the next day with your blanket on you to keep you warm. To be able to have more clothes than we need. To be able to contact each other with mobile phones. To be able to know why there are people out there who are not as fortunate as us with our ever-rising use of computer technology..

And the list goes on...

We can wake up everyday and open our eyes, it's not because it's supposed be like this. No, there's reason.

We might never know when the time will come. You can't be sure. In fact, no one can be sure.

I should start counting my blessings now and stop asking for more.

Be contented with what I have now.

And not taking everything for granted.

I appreciate every each and one of you who are in my life now.

I'm thankful for your existence.

Thankful for your guidance.

Thankful for your advices.

Thankful for your constant scoldings and reminders.

Thank you.

And i would really like to help people who are in need both physically and mentally. Oh and spiritually. They really need our help.

Together, with even a small help, we'll make a difference.

I care. I really do.


#Jo