Vicky Biccy's Blog

Nothing is certain

I’ve been reading news reports about the recent earthquake in Chile. Apparently, 700 people have been killed. It’s tragic. But considering the 220,000 who died as a result of the earthquake that hit Haiti in January, it seems that it could have been far, far worse.

The earthquake in Chile was far more powerful, but a number of factors meant that the fatalities were much lower. Firstly, it was a much ‘deeper’ epicentre, about 22 miles below the ocean floor. It happened at night, so less people were outdoors. But perhaps the most important factors are that the buildings in Chile are stronger and the country is much richer.

I can’t pretend to have any answers concerning these two tragic natural disasters. But it does make me think two things: 1) Nothing is certain, and 2) I am lucky. I am lucky that I live in a well-made house, far from the edge of a tectonic plate, in one of the most developed countries in the world, with a functioning government, a history of stability and wealth, and free health care.

Nothing is certain. Life can throw anything at you at any point, be it an earthquake, an accident, an illness, redundancy, or bereavement… none of us are immune to tragedy. So I am thankful for my luck of the draw; my place of birth, the caring family I was born into, my work, my relationships. And the life I am lucky to live, I will live as well as I can. 

Created on Tue 2nd March 2010 14:21