True Love

I know a woman named Jane, who lives in Peru. She started out tutoring me in Spanish but has since then become more of a friend. Jane got my attention initially because the introductory video she posted on the tutoring website, included the song “Sweet Home Alabama” by the Southern-rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd. Being a huge fan of classic-rock myself, (which includes the genre Southern-rock), we immediately bonded; first impressions can be indicators of things to come. 

Up until recently, I would meet with Jane 2 or 3 times a week via Skype. Some nights we would do Spanish lessons, other nights we would just talk about random things like music. One night, Jane stated via text message that she would not make our lesson because she had to work late. In her text, she also mentioned that she was sad that day. Naturally, I ask her why she was feeling down.   

Jane briefly expressed that her sadness was due to a tragedy that occurred within a neighborhood in Lima. She sent me a link to the story from a Peruvian newspaper. As the story read, due to a strong smell of gas, the neighborhood had to be evacuated. Within the evacuation, a 13-year old boy named Luis along with his family, had departed their residence only to realize the family pet was back inside. The young boy in care to save his beloved pet, rushed back inside to get him. 

As he was coming back out with the dog in his arms, the gas ignited and the apartment exploded into flames. The young boy was severely injured, suffering 80% of body burns. He clung onto life for five days before he passed away. ☹  The dog was also injured but survived. 

Sad stories are all around, but this one hit me hard. The thing about life is, we almost have to be desensitized to these sufferings all around us, or we would be consumed with grief 24/7. No one can sustain deep grief for extended periods, or they wouldn’t be able to function. 

My point is, I read tragic stories all the time, but this one felt more personal for various reasons. Namely in that – you have a boy, 13 years of age, who in one daring act of selfless-bravery sacrificed his life for true love. He demonstrated a model of behavior that every single one of us should aspire to follow. It’s not macho to admit, but when I heard the story, I choked up and my eyes watered. It’s a heart-wrenching tragedy – sad and beautiful at the same time. 

My cat, Purdee, who has been with me now for 12 years, is a gift. I was never a cat person until I found her as a kitten, abandoned and meowing near the elevators on the 13th floor of the apartment complex I was living in. I attempted to find the owner, but no one responded back. Inevitably, I wound up becoming attached, and kept her. If Purdee was ever in danger, I know in my heart that I would go out of my way to save her; just like that boy did for his dog. That is how deep the love is. That is true love. Some might read this and think the writer is pathetic – perhaps. But I don’t think it’s pathetic to love something or someone so much that you are willing to walk into danger for it. That is about as brave as any human can be! When hearing the story about the young boy, it amplified my faith in those who are inherently dedicated to true love.

Written by: T.K. w/ Jade L.

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