Natural Forces

When I turn my thoughts to natural forces, the first words are life changing, powerful, and memorable in the fact that it is not forgotten over time. In the 1960s in Nicaragua, Nicaragua was shaken by an earthquake killing thousands of people, setting cities to fire, and collapsing 80% of the buildings in the country. Citizens were left without water or electricity, and the country was at a major low point because of this powerful natural force. It changed lives and would leave its mark on the country for years. This terrible disaster caused by the natural force was counteracted by a similar human force. This force was the first Latino voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, Roberto Clemente. Clemente organized supplies and relief funds for the victims in a severe effort to give hope to the country. Becoming upset that the money and relief he raised was not going towards the things he wanted, he boarded a plane himself to sacrifice his time and his comfortable life to join arms side by side with the natives to rebuild the country. The plane unfortunately crashed on the way to Nicaragua. Although the life of Clemente was taken, he exemplified the three words that are associated with natural forces: life changing, powerful, and memorable. His actions and lifestyle was powerful because of his love towards everybody. He changed lives by funding a rebuilding of the country, and he was memorable and still is through his legacy that he left. Even today, a "Roberto Clemente award" is annually awarded to a player that best exemplifies the standards of humanitarianism and sportsmanship. When I think of natural forces, I think of heroes and leaders that impact history in a beautiful way. We will always remember Roberto Clemente.