The Real Difference

Young children sit in the comfortable seats of their cars, revelling in the cool air blowing out of the air conditioner, carefully fixing the creases in their freshly ironed uniforms and checking their backpack to make sure they brought their hat.

Young children walk along a dirt road, the sun burning their skin through the holes in their shirts, their feet bleeding from the sharp rocks beneath them and their mouths parched with thirst.

A woman visits the doctor, who reveals she is pregnant and expecting a boy. 9 months later, on the due date, when she has gone into labour, she demands to be given an Epidural. The baby is born healthy and normal. She names her son Ryan and takes him home 2 days later.

A woman finds out she is pregnant. She knows nothing about the child inside her. 9 months later, on the due date, when she has gone into labour, she pants quietly until she hears the soft cry of her daughter. The baby has a serious medical condition but the mother remains positive. She names her daughter Hadiyah. Without proper medical treatment, Hadiyah passes away 2 days later.

A father leaves for work early in the morning, he sits at his computer desk typing, playing Solitaire and watching the clock. It's pay day today so tonight he will take his family out for a nice meal at their favourite 5 star restaurant.

A father leaves for work early in the morning, he stands all day, slowly cutting into the tree branches until his hands begin to bleed. It's pay today so tonight his family will be able to eat.

A grandmother dies of old age. Her family is devastated at the sudden loss. Over 100 people turn up at her funeral. They remain grief stricken for many months.

A grandmother dies of an unknown infection. Her family had been expecting this and know she is in a better place. Over 5 people turn up to the small ceremony held for her. They accept the loss and move on with their lives.

Sometimes, we don't really know what we have until we lose it. Sometimes, we don't realise how lucky we are. Sometimes...taking a step back and evaluating our outlook on life can change us for the better.