There have been many times that I have looked at another person and thought to myself how my life could possibly be so much better in their shoes. Jealousy is something everyone has an issue over without much control. At the same time, we fail to realize that to someone else's point of view, our own life may be superior to there's. I recieved a well needed wake up call after reading the article "The Homeless and Their Children" by Jonathan Kozol (page 304). To be reminded of and saddened by those who are in tremendous living situations is a deep feeling that I think everyone needs to go through to defer from taking life for granted.
It's almost impossible for me to imagine a life like the woman's who was described through this writing. The illiterate woman's home in a run down hotel was described in such depth I had the feeling of humiliation and grief while reading. The poor woman didn't have a single thing in her home that worked properly, and her kids had become very ill from various issues within the hotel. I was more than mind boggled after reading that the woman basically had no choice but to sign paper after paper when she had to clue what they said. How was it that there was absolutely no one to help her in this situation?
After reading something like this I can't help but to sit back and really thank God for the life I have. No one can expect to always have exactly what they want, but I do know that I have more than what I need. Unfortunately, not everyone can say the same thing. As much as I'd like to deny any selfishness, reading this story really brought my thoughts to reality. A good dose of reality definately could not hurt once in awhile.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I see and hear of a lot of stuff like that family had to go through because of my mom's job. When my mom tells me these stories I am always very thankful. I may not be the richest or anything but I have more than enough to get me by on a daily basis. There will always be that one person that has more than you that you envy but I always just have to remember that there are plenty of people with way less then me and I need to be grateful for all that I have.
ReplyDeleteIt is always good to have wake up calls like this. Realizing what you have in life is so impportant! I agree when reading stuff like this opens up your eyes and makes your really appreciative.
ReplyDeleteWhy would you feel sad? Did the woman not have opportunities to learn what the papers said? Was she unable to read? Why?
ReplyDeletegood intro. More analysis of the cause and effect of the woman's situation would have made this even stronger.
ReplyDelete