“True wisdom comes to each of us when we realize how little we understand about life, ourselves and the world around us.” -Socrates

I never really understood the meaning of this quote until today when I visited a girl's orphanage. I was given an advantageous life, and I had never realized this until I saw the conditions these girl's lived in, even though they didn’t have everything I do, they were happy. I have visited many orphanages and most kids there are not very talkative and they usually just keep to themselves. But today I had a completely different experience, these girls were playful, energetic and full of glee. 

I wonder how those girls remain so happy after all they have been through. They lost their parent’s at a very young age, or they were abandoned by them because the parent's couldn't afford to take care of a child or just simply didn't want to take care of them. These girls never knew a parent’s love, they were left alone in a cruel world, yet they don’t let that bring them down. They inspire me, to be a better person, a person who doesn’t take what she has in her life for granted. These girls really give meaning to the very famous saying, “you do not know the value of what you have until you have lost it.” 

I wish more people could see the true horrors of what these girls and many others go through in not only our country but all around the world. These girls are shunned, left to fend for themselves and don’t have much hope for the future. Yet they have dreams, dreams to become doctors and lawyers and dancers. I can’t even begin to describe how I felt, talking to each of them. No matter what this world has thrown at them, they still have hope left in them, hope that one day, they will be someone the world knows of.

In Pandora’s story, it is said she left hope locked up in the box, but I disagree, I think kids like these represent that hope. They stand against the deceptions of the worlds all alone, yet they still stand strong. They still smile at the face of adversity, I hope that someday all their dreams come true. We all want a fairy tale, but don’t truly deserve it, it’s these girls who do. These girls who are true and pure, who even after everything they have been through see the best in everyone around them. Yet I don’t think we deserve their admiration. 

One might boast about donating money to orphanages, but that’s not enough. Unless, you have actually talked with them, played with them you will never understand them. Anyone can give away money, but as much as these girls need that money, that is not what they want, they just want to get to know you. We were able to donate some clothing and other goodies to these girls, but for them the real joy was spending time with us and getting to know us. I can truly say that they enjoyed my company as much as I did theirs.They don’t care how much you have in your bank, they don’t judge you, they don’t pretend to be someone they aren’t, and according to me, that is the best quality anyone can possess in the times we live in. 

I wish I could say, I understand what these girls have been through, but I don’t, I don’t think any of us do, we have our parents to thank for that. So I beckon everyone reading this to thank their parents for shielding you, from the pain the world gives you, because I don’t think any of us have felt even an ounce of pain these girls have. So, thank your parents for loving you unconditionally, because these girls never got anyone’s love, they never had anyone who they could call their own, but you do.So, thank your parents for everything they have done for you,because tomorrow is uncertain, be thankful for everything you have, that’s what these girls taught me, and it’s something I shall treasure forevermore.