The fortunate one

I often have this thought, a thought that is even more prevalent when something like the recent events in Haiti occur. How did I get to be one of the fortunate ones? How come I was born in the US, where I have an abundance of the basic necessities of life (food, water, shelter) in addition to just as many luxuries (health care, car, computer, tv, cell phone. Should I go on...)? I have immediate access to safety and protection and stable buildings and complex infrastructure that can handle even the most tragic disasters. How come I was born to loving, caring parents? How come I was born healthy? Or on the flip side, how was I not born an unfortunate one? This is especially perplexing since odds are in favor of being an unfortunate one...as far as world population goes.

Just by being born in the US, I'm guessing I've got to be in the top 5-10% of the most fortunate people in the world. I'm guessing that since I have a home and my own car and a cellphone and clothes for every day of the week and money for food every meal plus snacks, then I'm better off than millions of other people. Millions. How? Why? My brain doesn't comprehend how the little soul inside my body ended up being routed to Oklahoma instead of to Haiti or Africa or Central America. Neither math nor science nor the Bible can explain this mystery.

I enjoyed reading this blog entry by Brian Williams (of NBC Nightly News) because apparently I'm not the only one pondering this thought. He didn't have any answers either, but he did put a nice spin on things.

I'm certain I will never have the answer. I'm also certain that I recognize and appreciate and am grateful for being a fortunate one. In turn I can do something, anything to help the unfortunate ones.