Everything my family owned had been washed away before my eyes. I lost all hope of normalcy.

Even though everything my family owned had been washed away before my eyes, I couldn't just sit back. We started a national drive called 'Cover the Coast' through the Student Council and acquired funds, blankets and children's books.

I vowed to do everything in my power to help my family and community return to its feet.

It was a fatal mistake and they were punished for their decision to go against family and social customs.

We plan, we toil, we suffer in the hope of what? A camel-load of idol's eyes? The title deeds of Radio City? The empire of Asia? A trip to the moon? No, no, no, no. Simply to wake just in time to smell coffee and bacon and eggs.

He is opening his eyes. He has purposeful movements. He responds to his family in slight ways. He moves all extremities.