When I was little my mom would always tell me to value the things I had, because I never knew when I would lose them. I remember being the little kid who always took care of her toys and would never share in fear of someone else breaking them. However, as I got older and the world dove into the age of technology, I became selfish. I continuously refused to share what I had, and began to envy those who had nicer things than I did. I was no longer happy with what my parents got me and I felt I deserved more from them. Sooner or later I became one of those kids who would throw tantrums if they did not have the newest phone or the nicest clothes. In simpler terms, I became a spoiled brat. When I started to think about my past actions I realized how damaged this generation has become. I have seen four year-old girls throw tantrums in public simply because their phone died. I didn’t even have a phone at the age of four. My point is, I forgot how to value what I have and be happy with my own life rather than making life a competition with the person next to me. Like my mom used to say, I never realized how true my mother’s words were until the earthquake in Mexico City hit on Tuesday, September 19, 2017. On the 32nd anniversary of another horrific earthquake in Mexico, kids from a local school in Mexico City were having an earthquake drill and being taught in class what to do if there was another earthquake. Not too long after their drill, an actual earthquake of a magnitude of 7.1 hit and brought this small school to the ground. People watched in horror as buildings and bridges came tumbling down. In a matter of seconds, the citizens of Mexico City lost everything they ever had.
As people who lost their homes walked the streets in search of shelter, they began to notice the amount of damage the earthquake had left behind. Numerous cries for help could be heard from under the rubble of the fallen buildings. Children ran the streets looking for their parents. The power was cut off to prevent telephone wires from falling and potentially causing a fire. Hours went by and people had no way of contacting their loved ones to make sure they were okay. I was one of them. The thought of never being able to see my grandparents baffled me. I did not know if they were okay or if they got hurt, or even worse if they were one of the unfortunate souls whose lives were taken from them on this devastating day. Seconds turned to minutes, minutes turned to hours and hours felt like an eternity. There is nothing terrifying than the unknown, because it begins to play with your mind until you reach a point of panic. My parents were trying their best remain calm but it was hard to when they have not heard from anyone for hours. When the power was restored by the end of the night, we were informed that everyone was well.
Fearing the possible death of my grandparents made me realize how short life can be. No one was prepared for the earthquake to hit and it affected many families who are now struggling to live in the aftermath. My family was a part of the lucky few who were not affected by this earthquake, but those who were not as fortunate as us are suffering greatly. In a way, the earthquake brought my family closer together. In times of trouble, people realize all the good things they have in their lives. As I got older, I grew apart from my grandparents and it was not until the earthquake hit that I remembered the impact they have continued to have on my life. This earthquake is a second chance for me to reconnect with my family before it is too late.