PLN #2

Tyler Aikens  

September 6, 2012

PLN #2

A Single Lucid Moment Summary

            “A Single Lucid Moment” by Robert W. Soderstorm displays to us the true love and hope of other countries, and the selfishness of our own. The short story starts off by introducing us to Robert and his wife, Kerry, who were both missionaries heading to the Eastern Highlands Providence of New Guinea. As they enter the village of 800 people, they are greeted by it’s people, and they were very generous when it came to caring for them.  After a few minutes, they had figured out that the colony was very self sustaining, had no connection to the outside world, and everyone was similar in terms of money, income, and housing. As the villagers were telling each other stories, Robert decided to pass pictures around previously snapped pictures of Chicago, his hometown.  One of the villagers pointed out two homeless man not knowing about the concept of homelessness, he asked. The reply he got was horrifying to the entire village. Out of the kindness of their hearts, the colonists built houses for the people of Chicago and tried to convince Robert to move them to their new world. This act was awe inspiring to not only Robert and Kerry, but to me as well.

            “A Single Lucid Moment” by Robert W. Soderstorm exaggerates how poorly we as humans do things as a whole. In America, we are to selfish to think about providing for a homeless man, or even give a dollar to his requesting, empty can. How did we evolve in such a way that we did? I believe that if we can put just a little more compassion in our hearts, the world will be a much, much better place. We should also not be so shy and afraid to rely on others for help because that is what we do. We help those in need when we can stand our own ground just fine. Too many people just like to watch their world pass by, and not enter others to help their own lives be easier.  Like others, I have discovered that small things do matter.