A moment of humanity...
- nomadicmye
- Oct 28, 2015
- 2 min read
While visiting 'third world' countries, some people cry over animals that are sick, mistreated or just too skinny. I did, when I first saw one in Guatemala about 10 years ago. Now, it makes me sad but I don't cry anymore... I have got to portrait their societies and understand their priorities. Tonight, I was just off a shopping street when I was getting back to the motorbike when I saw a mom and her very young baby laying on the dirty ciment pavement just off the sidewalk, in front of a closed business. I looked at my friends and said, with my eyes overlfowing, 'I can't, I need to do something!'. They said I couldn't do much, and I knew that was true. I just stared for a few minutes, the baby started giggling with his little hands reaching out. I couldn't help it, I knew the mom would probably not speak english but I came to her and asked if they were okay... what a stupid question!!! Then I gestured to show her to wait, I was going to go get them something to drink and eat and she sighed yes with a please with her hands. I went to the Mini Market and bought fruit & protein bars and a big water bottle and some noodles. The employee of the Market added a box of milk and we went to give it to the lady and her baby. I also gave her a 50 000 Rupiahs bill (5$ CAD). She smiled, I played with the baby for a few minutes... I was crying... But, the baby looked healthy... even chunky for his young age (max 6 months old). His smiled warmed up my heart but had me crying more at the same time... Then I realized that it will never change... Animals, babies, children, women and men... seeing people living such a harsh reality will always shake me to the core. I just wanted to share this story. It's a moment when I felt like a simple vulnerable human being. Not a blessed Canadian, not a wealthy tourist, not even like a lucky backpacker... a simple vulnerable human. We always think it only happens to others and it barely touches us before we live it or even only see it. Then, sometimes, we realize how blessed and lucky we are. How much a smile can mean. How helpless we can feel. It's priceless. Night night. M.
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