Don't get me wrong, a lot of Brasil is very modern. People don't live that differently than we do as Americans...some better--there are some VERY WEALTHY Brasilians. Beautiful homes, cars, etc. But today I saw something that made my heart sad. I'd just found what I'd like to think is a FOOD FIND--you know those restaurants that once you've tried them you think to yourself, I can see myself coming back here quite often--and was walking back to my apartment with a full and happy stomach, when crossing the street ahead of me was a young kid. He couldn't have been more than 14 or 15, and looked so happy, so alive, so young and full of life. But as I saw him weave his way through the cars, I noticed that from the waist up, he was perfect. But apparently either at birth or some accident, it looked like his bones going from his knee to his right foot were broken, forcing his lower leg to have a bow in it, as though a 1/2 of heart shape. He limped on it, hopped to keep as much weight of it as possible, but he moved forward happy and content as he moved up the street with his friend.
I thought to myself just a broken bone that wasn't set. A simple procedure that if done correctly, in 2 months he's fine. He is now hobbled for the rest of his life.
And then I realized that this simple procedure would never go unattended in the US...it just didn't seem fair.
I know there are worse things in the world...worst problems, much worse living conditions, terrible things. But I just wanted to help that kid, to make his remaining years hobble-free. How much would it take, really?
If I get some money in the future, I hope to do that. Find a way to help kids/people in that kind of situation. You can't solve all the world's problems, but you can solve someone's, right?
Of course I have some money now...so why wait. Um, that thought depresses me.
I took the evening and walked a bit along the beach of Copacabana at dusk. So pretty. They have this little beach side stand that sells Pizza in a cone--I know, I know, but really good. I had one of those, a Guarana, and waited out a small shower. Then walked back to Ipanema beach.
I'm still amazed at the natural beauty of this place.
On a more sanitary note, I took a shower today after two days of not taking one. I don't know why...just been pretty sedentary, but today I realized it was time, and since I now have hot water in the apartment, there's no reason not to, right?
OK, so, again not gonna start my screenplay. I'm thinking of that idea and not sure it's gonna work. Hum, still throwing it up in the air of my head...to see if it sticks.
But another day in Brasil. I've been here two weeks and one day now...and a lot to see and learn still. Including a thousand new words. :)
Boa Noite.
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