Sometimes, the acts of kindness that change and reshape the world are ones that demand the ultimate sacrifice from us, maybe not immediately but eventually.
In 2011, a group of more than 200 elderly Japanese volunteered to help take care of the nuclear crisis at the ruined Fukushima nuclear power plant.
The Skilled Veterans Corps, as they named themselves, was comprised of retired engineers and professionals over the age of 60. They believed that they should be the ones to face the dangers of radiation, not the young, who might have their years cut short by the invisible, deadly radioactive fallout.
“I am 72, and on average I probably have 13 to 15 years left to live,” said one volunteer of his service. “Even if I were exposed to radiation, cancer could take 20 or 30 years or longer to develop. Therefore us older ones have less chance of getting cancer.”
To step forward as these volunteers did, in order to protect the lives of the young, is one of the most touching acts of kindness a human being can make.
Their example of kindness changed the world by setting the bar for self-sacrifice. Few, in any country, would be willing to lay aside their lives for the next generation, but these volunteers showed a willingness that leaves the world a legacy of kindness.
Posterity will forever remain grateful, for their selfless acts of kindness did preach and still preaches on.
