no-longer-a-slumdog

No Longer a Slumdog
percent of his body was covered with burns. Even after Muttu
regained consciousness, he was unable to say a word for several
weeks. For months he suffered excruciating pain.
Muttu did eventually recover, but he still lives in a state of
fear. He says the worst part of the whole experience is the agony
of not knowing what happened to his little sister.
This story first appeared in India’s national newspaper The
Hindu under the title “A Lonely Battle for Life.”
We cannot even begin to imagine something like this being
thrust onto a child. It is harsh, it is cruel, and it never should happen.
But the sad reality is that it did occur.
When I hear stories like this, I think back on my own life
growing up, reflecting on the many blessings and hardships that I
faced. It helps me see things from a different perspective.
Let me ask you, what was your childhood like Your parents
probably started planning for you even before your conception.
Your medical care began while you were still in your mother’s
womb. In all likelihood, your mother gave birth to you in a sterile
hospital room, surrounded by well-trained doctors and nurses.
After a clean and safe delivery, you probably were taken home
to a wallpapered nursery and brand-new baby blankets. You were
fed on demand and kept warm, clean and protected from harm.
To prevent any serious illnesses, you received all the required immunizations.
As you grew into a healthy child, you were given
clean clothes to wear and toys to play with.
When you reached school age, your parents took you to the
store to buy your school supplies. If you were like most children,
your mom sent you off to school in bright new clothes with a
nourishing lunch. Maybe she even drove you there herself.
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