CHILE, Carmen Rogers. It is 3:34 in Cobquecura, the epicenter of the earthquake and the tsunami that struck the southern central area of Chile on February 27, 2010. With the sound of the bugle, the Navy marks the beginning of a touching tribute in honor of the 523 Chileans who died and for the twenty-four who have not been found. The authorities and residents lit candles around a wayside shrine, where the words “Nothing without You, nothing without us” could be easily read.
It was not the only vigil; there were others in Concepción, Talcahuano, Dichato, Maipú…with different nuances… some accuse, others give reasons and explanations.
The truth? Is difficult to discover. Because of legal issues, buildings that are practically destroyed are still standing; the residents protest, others applaud.
The excellent highway structure that we inherited from previous governments is practically rebuilt, but there is still a lot to be done. It has not been without notice that it was the fifth most destructive mega-earthquake in the history of humanity.
Of all the statements, I mention one: “We have done everything humanly possible.”
A lot has been done and an enormous amount is still needed.
Nothing without You, nothing without us
But, there, at the epicenter of the tragedy a “nothing without You, nothing without us” that was published in many newspapers that day speaks to us of hope in Divine Providence, it speaks to us of a drive, of effort, of tenacity, of patience, it repeats, and in the words of a sports reporter, “Let’s go, Chile, it can be done”…
