FUERZA VALPARAISO

And so disaster strikes again in Chile, but the human spirit never ceases to amaze me.  The fire that broke out in Valparaiso on Saturday has affected some of the poorest people in society, who built their houses where they could in the hills of Valparaiso, often in the places at the mercy of mother nature, and with the cheapest of materials.  But this was their home, and so many have lost everything, only being left with the clothes on their back.  And what is their response?  You can recover the material, but life you cannot.

The strength and resolve of the Chilean is something so inspiring, to get up every single time you are knocked down.  I have seen it time and time again with other fires, earthquakes, floods.  Through tear stained eyes, they vow to fight on.  Tomorrow is another day. 

People have come to assist straight away, to bring clothes and food, and to also help the animals who have lost their homes.  My sister in law and her family are an example of this, they come from one of the poorest sectors in Santiago, but set off on Sunday with items for the victims.  They have so little, but have no second thought in helping those even less unfortunate than themselves.

And so we can learn many things from this terrible tragedy that hurts my heart so much.    We should be so grateful for what we have, whether little or much; our houses, our clothes, our food, our lives, our family.  Life is so unpredictable, you never know what is going to happen.  So live for the moment like it´s your last.  Do what you want to do, but always with a kind heart.  Aspire to be like those Chileans who are helping their neighbours.  Adapting my favourite quote of all time: “My fellow people, ask not what others can do for you, ask what you can do for others.”

¡¡¡FUERZA VALPARAÍSO, FUERZA CHILE!!!