Let us remember with reverence all of the victims, whether living, whether deceased, and those who are missing, and remember everyone affected by the Japanese earthquake and tsunami which occurred one year ago, March 11, 2011.
As I write this, it is Saturday evening, March 10, 2012. But, it is actually March 11, 2012, in Japan.
I remember speaking to my son, Scott, on the telephone at about 9:45 p.m., Thursday, March 10, a few minutes before the news was broadcast. I called to say so long to him, as he was returning on a flight home to Japan the next morning. He lives near Tokyo in Japan with his family, but was in TN on a work-related conference for the DoD, which had begun the previous Monday. My daughter-in-law and 16 year old grandson, Anthony, were in Japan.
Then the news broke. The TV streams were horrific and devastating to watch, and I sat in horror in front of the TV, texting back and forth with my son. He was fortunate to have heard from Junko, his wife, that they were all fine, shaken, frightened, but fine, physically. What a sigh of relief for Scott, and for all of us here in CA (his mother-me, his father, stepmother, sisters, nephew and nieces, cousins, uncles, etc), who all inquired about them.
Scott was supposed to leave TN in the morning, our March 11, to return home from the conference. needless to say, that flight never took off. He was delayed for three extra days before he was able to fly back home. What a stress-related ordeal for him, and for his family in Japan. The anxiety must have been tremendous for him, and I know it was for Junko and Anthony. To be separated from your wife and child during such an event, and vice-versa…I can’t even imagine.
He told me that when he was flying into Narita airport, the destruction was overwhelming from the plane, and that he felt as if he was entering a military war zone. He couldn’t believe his eyes. The three extra days of TV viewing had not prepared him in the least for what he saw flying into the airport.
But, the important thing is that Junko and Anthony were safe and physically fine, including Junko’s parents and other relatives. Thank G-d. Some were not so lucky, some we will never know the whereabouts of or the answers to what actually happened to them.
I am grateful each day that my family members were safe and fine. I pray each day for all of the victims, because I must. We are all connected within the planetary globe. When one life is lost…a piece of us is also. When one life is pained or hurt…a piece of us is also. We are one under the sun.
Please, if you find it in your heart, take a moment to reflect on the horrendous disaster, and say a prayer for all of the victims, or say some thoughtful words of remembrance. Thank you.
March 10, 2012 – 16 Adar, 5772
Lorri M. Writings and Photography 