I grew up in an ordinary farming family filled with love from both my parents. Although we do not have much material wealth, we are filled with so much warmth and happiness and bountiful in the love we have for each other.

However, the fortuitous life was not everlasting. On August 18th, 2010, a sudden surge of mud and stone flooded our village and changed our lives. Everything in our home was washed away. Luckily, my family and I were all safe and escaped unharmed. However, there were 92 unlucky villagers who lost their lives in the flood. I’m grateful to the government for their support in sending aid workers that helped us overcome this disaster.

Day by day hope seems to shine a little brighter, but I dare not think about the chance another flooding disaster may come again. Father is sick. Originally we suspected it was a minor stomachache, but as time goes by his symptoms gradually worsen and hospitalizations become more frequent, whilst none of his medications seem to improve his condition, rather, keeps deteriorating. When Mother took Father to the doctor, we found out Father contracted late stage intestinal cancer that’s very difficult to cure. Even so, we still want to try everything we can to cure him, however, in the end it was not enough to save him. In the evening of August 20, 2011, Father peacefully passed away without suffering. I know Father did not want Mother or me to worry.

Dad passed away. The head of the household has fallen. Mother and I bravely step up to become the heads of the household. Alas, I have no desire towards my studies anymore, but once mother found out about this, she spoke to me many times: “Son, you must study hard in school. Let me worry about household and family matters.” My mother spoke to me several times and her encouragement and comfort eventually woke me up from my dazed state. She told me to study hard and use education to change the current state of our family. Let Father me proud of me wherever he is, let Mother live a fortuitous and happy life. There is a saying “Education is not the only path to change” but for me I say “Education is the best path to change”.