My daughter and other volunteers in Qingshen County visiting a solitary elderly in the countryside.
Almost ten months have passed since she left home. She reported that her work and life in Qingshen was pleasant and I felt happy for her. I feel pride that my daughter, a young and inexperienced fresh graduate, has put our country's interests above everything else. But when the strong earthquake hit, I panicked. Failed communications and uncertain information nearly unnerved me.
On 3:29 PM, a text message from my daughter finally arrived with just a few words: "I'm on the street and fine. Don't worry." With this short message, my anxiety finally eased as my eyes filmed over with tears.
At 9:00 PM sharp, my daughter gave me a call from Qingshen. It was also at that moment, fixed-line services were resumed but mobile service still remained out of service.
My daughter told me on the phone that she was ok and not to worry. She was helping to make arrangements for the afflicted in a hospital and desperately needed to rest herself. She would continue her rescue work there the next day. After many exhortations, I hung up but my daughter's calm voice lingered in my mind. She has become more mature after such an unforgettable experience. In the face of this sudden disaster, she is not frightened; instead she has chosen to quickly devote herself to the rescue work with others. I feel gratified and proud.
She has transformed herself from a student into a volunteer and now into a rescuer: three important episodes in her life.
I love you, my daughter!
(China.org.cn translated by Yuan Fang, May 15, 2008)