editor comment: the epicenter

I am a surgeon, currently in Beijing after resigning from my job in Liverpool yesterday. My hometown is in Sichuan. There was no way I could just watch quietly overseas. I had to come back. I had to be at the frontline. On the 12th of May, a 7.8 earthquake struck my hometown. I have no idea what my hometown looks like now, but I do know that my parents, the people who gave me life and brought me up, have already died in the earthquake. My uncle told me this, news that I would gladly forgo hearing, or even letting it occur, in my entire life. My son keeps asking, what about Grandpa and Granny? Will there
be danger? I have no idea what to tell him. I cried for a day, smoked two packs of cigarettes, and finally decided that I had to go back. I'll apply for leave, or even quit my job. No matter which, I was going home. I have lost my parents, but I had to go save other parents. I have not lost my son, I have to use my abilities to ensure that other sons and daughters would be with their parents. I am back, but the rescue teams have already left. I called up several hospitals, they all told me that the rescue teams have already left. That's fine, I'll go by myself. I have booked a ticket to Chengdu at 8am tomorrow. From there I'll go to Dujiangyan, and from there, to Wenchuan, the heaviest-hit area.

I have stopped crying. I am grateful to my parents. They toiled with their hands to give me all the skills I have. I couldn't save them, but I can save other parents. Dad, Mom, your son is paying respects to you. Hopefully, you can see it from heaven. Your son is not a wastrel. Your son will let you continue smiling, even in heaven.

May Heaven protect us Chinese.

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The above story is translated by some volunteers at 

 www.sichuan-earthquake.org

Life and Death, Love and Pain: Snapshots of Sichuan Earthquake

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