Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Japan

As many of you know, my wife is Japanese and most of her family lives in Japan.  We’ve made contact with some  of them and they tell us that they are shaken and scared, but safe. Thanks to those of you who have asked about them.

Japan is really up against it right now.  Earthquakes are averaging one an hour, tsunamis have killed thousands, a volcano is erupting, it's very cold, radiation is scaring everyone, transportation is at a standstill, there are major power outages and food and water are in short supply.  It’s the perfect storm of disasters.

I’ve visited Japan several times and have been lucky enough to stay with my wife’s relatives instead of hotels. I’ve really gotten to see how they live their everyday lives. They are very much like us, yet they are nothing like us. There are a few things I can tell you about them with certainty…

There will be no looting and there will be little or no crime during this time.  There will be none of the unrest, rudeness, or sense of entitlement, we’ve come to expect in our country when times get bad.  People will not be expecting the government to do everything.  These people take care of each other.  Whatever Mother Nature and failed technology throw at them, they will endure it with grace, humility and respect for others.  You’ve seen them on TV, waiting in long lines trying to buy what little food is available, right? Did you see and pushing and shoving? No, you didn’t see it, because it is not in their nature to do so.

Is Japan perfect? No it is not. Their government has made some major blunders throughout the years.  Having said that, the people are the nicest and gentlest, I’ve ever seen.  If you are lucky enough to travel there, you will find that they don’t expect you to speak Japanese. In fact, most will be embarrassed because they don’t speak your language!

I didn’t mean for this to be so long.  Because of my crazy upbringing, I’m not easily affected by current events, but I have to tell you, this unfolding tragedy is kicking my ass.  If you have any positive and healing thoughts, or any prayers you can make. The Japanese can surely use them...
Dinner at Aunt Junko's house.
Yes, everyone is sitting on the floor!

Get together at Aunt Kiku's house


Dinner out with Aunt Toshiko.
My wife's mom is in the front right.



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91 comments:

  1. Love the family photos and are glad your family is OK. Our prayers will be with you and them.

    Darryl and Ruth : )

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  2. Thank God your wife's family is safe. I can't imagine what horrors are witnessed in Japan every minute since the quake hit. I was just watching the news about the crippled reactors. Hope is waning to avoid a nuclear disaster. My prayers are with the Japanese people.

    My best regards to your wife. Loved these gorgeous pictures!

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  3. Sending all the positive thoughts I can. My heart breaks at all the awful news from Japan. So happy your family is safe

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  4. It's such a tragic events that happened to Japan..It's beyond words.

    I'm glad you had such great memories in Japan..

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  5. Thanks for such an insightful post. I'm glad to hear your in-laws are safe. Such a tragedy this is... sending warm thoughts your way, and across the ocean...

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  6. I have met and know many wonderful people from Japan....and you're right.....The nature of the people is one to be greatly admired.
    If our society could only learn half of the respect they display towards one another.
    I truly appreciate this post and your photos Pat.
    I am glad to hear they are safe.

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  7. We are send regular prayers and purrs to everyone in Japan. Every time I see more images from Japan my heart hurts more.

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  8. They are a resilient people. I have faith that they will rebuild better than ever. I know they are getting their butts kicked right now, and I do feel for them. They have had a lot of loss. It makes Katrina seem inconsequential by comparison.

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  9. This has been bothering me too!! I spent the whole weekend watching videos and researching and looking at the damage and just felt SICK. One of my friends had a younger brother teaching English in Sendai, and he disappeared after the earthquake while looking for his girlfriend. They didn't hear anything after the tsunami until FINALLY Monday morning he was able to use a phone to let them know they were both alive. They haven't been able to locate her mother yet though. That happening to her really made the whole thing that much more personal for me. I'm SO glad to hear that your family is safe.

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  10. I am glad your family is safe. My prayers for Japan will not stop.

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  11. Maybe I live under a rock or something, but I didn't know your wife's family was Japanese! I'm so pleased to hear they're all well. Prayers for Japan are already being offered up from this house. I hope everything over there gets fixed up and sorted out soon.

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  12. Patrick, I'm so glad your loved ones are alright but this must be all so, so scary for everyone in your family. Your post brought tears to my eyes. Your tribute to the grace, resiliency and humility of the people of Japan gave me a bit of comfort. It is up to us now, to stand behind Japan and give them everything we can while they rebuild their lives. - G

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  13. Thoughts and prayers to your extended family.

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  14. after waiting impatiently for 3 days, I've finally gotten word from my friend that he and his family really really are alright. In spite of food shortages and power outages, it is quiet and calm where he lives. but many are suffering and the situation is not good. this is a beautiful post Pat. love the photos.

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  15. Patrick--Of course you and your family are affected by this tragedy. Your post is a testament to how much you love this country and the people in it. I am sending all sorts of positive thoughts to the people of Japan. I am also sending donations of a more materialistic manner. It's the least we can do....

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  16. I've been praying for the people of Japan and will continue to. Everything I've seen and heard... I just can't imagine what kind of hell those people are having to endure. I'm glad to hear your wife has been able to make contact with some of her family. I will add them to my prayers as well.

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  17. Patrick,
    I am so glad that your wife's family is safe. I watch the people of Japan dealing with this tragedy with such grace and am filled with respect and amazement as well as a sense of shame that I know we in this country would not behave half as well were it to happen to us. My thoughts are with them.

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  18. sending positive thoughts to you and your family.
    I love your post. growing up, my best friend was (is) Japanese. I was fascinated with everything she could teach me about her home. seeing all that they are facing today breaks my heart.

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  19. I cannot imagine the horrors they have endured (and still are enduring), and am awed by the dignity and grace these people are displaying in the face of such awful adversities. I am so relieved to hear your family there are safe - my thoughts go out to them, as they do to everyone else trapped in this nightmare. ((x))

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  20. I certainly wish America was more like Japan in many ways. I love the resiliency of the people and how much they care for one another.

    I hadn't heard about the volcano. Yikes. Definitely going to continue sending prayers along with the money I already sent. Good to hear your relatives are all okay.

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  21. Hi Patrick, this is an excellent piece of information. You are telling many of us things we do not know about the Japanese. I don't know anything!

    I hope you will keep us posted with the news from there. Your news is on a human level we can relate to as opposed to the ongoing repititive hype from the news media.

    May God bless your wife's family and her nation. I wonder if I would have the grace...?

    I understand California scientists & seismologists from all over are very concerned about CA now based on plate tectonics etc. I'm praying nothing happens. It would be beyond catastrophic. I'm afraid for my state, family & friends too.

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  22. With thoughts and prayers for your family there.

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  23. I can't even watch the news anymore. It's so horrible. I just check the main stuff online. What a horrible way to live, wondering what disaster's going to come and try to get you next. The only thing left really, is Godzilla.

    I'm really glad your family are safe!

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  24. I am shocked by the insensitivity of so many people to this disaster, seriously, the amount of things I've read, heard, and seen that showed a complete lack of compassion is staggering... but then along comes something like what you've just written, and my faith in humanity is on the mend. Thank you.
    I'm so sorry to hear that you and your family have gone through this all with much more up close & personal experience than most people I know, but so happy to hear that many of your wife's family have managed to make contact and let you know they are safe. ♥

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  25. As Greece has suffer so many big earthquakes , I can understand
    the pain and the tragedy that Japanese people have nowadays !!!
    My love to all of them.

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  26. I am very glad to read that your wife's family are safe. The scale of the devastation and suffering of the Japanese people is unprecedented and it has saddened me greatly the past week. They are a great, brave, humble nation and their spirit in the face of so much aversity is truly awe-inspiring.
    Sending positive thoughts their way and hoping that things will get better as they seem so dire at the moment.

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  27. You know how people say, "My thoughts are with you," even when they really aren't. This time it's true -- I can't get the lovely people of Japan out of my mind. Thank you for sharing a bit of what you know, and the pictures.

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  28. Caro amico lontano,
    grazie per questo tuo post: io amo così tanto il Giappone e penso agli amici che ho laggiù con profonda tristezza ed ansia...Un forte abbraccio, sincero.

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  29. Lovely photos, Pat. I'm certainly keeping Japan in my thoughts and prayers. The Japanese are very resilient people. Thanks for sharing.

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  30. Oh Pat this post made me cry. Two of my sons served missions in Japan. One in Sapporo, the other in Tokyo North. We have had many Japanese friends through the years. Like you, I love these people. I don't know why such a beautiful land and people must suffer so much. It's not like one earthquake then back to normal (which is how it was often when we lived in CA). This sounds truly devastating. My prayers are with you and your lovely wife and family.

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  31. I've had them in my thoughts and prayers, since the moment I heard the news. So glad they are ok!

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  32. We are so glad your family is safe.
    Thanks for sharing the beautiful photographs.
    We have been following the events closely and feel deeply for them ...

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  33. I am thinking of you and your extended family right now.

    This has kicked my ass too, and I feel helpless. I think we all need to send healing thoughts and prayers to Japan.

    I am hoping they find some rest and safety, and can begin to rebuild their lives soon.

    xo

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  34. When we go to San Francisco, one of our favorite neighborhoods is Japantown. Everything is so clean, people are quiet but friendly and well-mannered and it's just an all-around lovely neighborhood.

    I'm keeping everyone with ties to Japan in my thoughts and prayers.

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  35. My heartfelt prayers and thoughts for you and your wife, your families and all of the people that have been through so much. Thank you for sharing the lovely family photos.

    In my community we are fortunate to be a real melting pot of many many cultures, races, religions and peoples. The Japanese families that I have come to call friend have shown me a way of life, much as how you describe. Non violent, couteous, polite, respectful and always with great honor. I have always been impressed with the culture. It's people have honor, respect, strength and a serenity to be admired and are an example to live by. I am teary eyed just thinking of all they have gone through and even more impressed than ever before of a nationality of good people.

    And yet, in times of the most devastating of hardships, that is when character and love and faith are at it's best.

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  36. I am glad that you have been able to hear from most of your and her loved ones.

    There have been discussions in my house about the calmness, orderliness and just the basic grace of the Japanese people while they are facing this. I hope that we can learn by their example almost as much as I hope that we never again have to use what they are teaching us. I am embarrassed when I think of what most Americans would be doing if in the same situation.

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  37. We could learn a lot from them in terms of attitude, that's for sure. Glad your wife's family is safe.

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  38. Hi Pat, With no TV, I'm not barraged with the images, but have been thinking of Japan and sending good thoughts. I didn't realize you and your wife had so much family there. Good wishes to everyone. I have a blogger friend in Japan, far from the events, but of course it is having a huge impact on the entire small country. So many good wishes going that way.

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  39. P.S. What a wonderful family! It's clear you have great times with them. It must be shattering for you all.

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  40. All I can do is ditto what everyone else has said. I have two brothers that are priest and be assured that the congregations of both their churches and every member of my hugh family have been offering prayers, candles and masses for those suffering in Japan and else where.

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  41. Thanks for your touching post.

    What happens now in Japan is incredible (for me beyond words). And the worst is that there is no end in sight of the nuclear disaster.

    Your thoughts about the Japanese and how they handle the catastrophe makes me think.

    My thoughts are with all the people living in Japan.

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  42. I was at the mall today and The Hudson's Bay Co. was asking everyone to donate their "points" (extra money) to Japan. I was happy to do it. I am so sorry for what they are going through and glad your family is safe. Thank you for sharing what the people of Japan are like. I have never been there.

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  43. Everything you've written struck a chord with me. Yes, the people of Japan appear to be peaceful, unentitled and gracious, even in their times of trouble. There is so much we Americans could learn from them!!!

    Keeping them in my thoughts and prayers...and hoping Paula's family stays safe, too.

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  44. Great photos and story. I believe you about the way the Japanese handle adversity. Just watching the difference between what happened and is happening in Haiti and what I have seen of the continuing disaster in Japan...wow, totally different cultures. I hope all your extended family is well and stays well. Prayers for them.

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  45. Thanks for sharing the news
    and family photos.
    I feel sad for the ones gone
    as well as the survivors.
    Glad your family is okay.

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  46. this is wonderful Pat. thank you for allowing us into your family life. my prayers are for the lovely Japanese people. Peace be with them.

    May I share your words please?

    ~L

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  47. so glad they're all safe!! wish there was more we could do!

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  48. How touching to get such a personal viewpoint. Your insights are so very valuable. It is devastating what that country is going though. The news seems a horrible nightmare that I wish I would wake up from. Please accept my prayers for your wife and extended family as I pray for all those who are experiencing this calamity. I pray each day that the road to healing from such grief can begin.

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  49. Pat, I never knew your wife is from Japan. But now I do. And yes, my husband and I were watching the news last night and commenting about how polite and orderly the Japanese are, amidst this chaos. I offer my warmest thoughts to your wife, your in-laws, and all of the people of Japan in this most trying of times.

    Nevine

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  50. What happens to one of us, happens to all of us. The Japanese are a resilient people, and I'm sure with time will pull themselves through this. I know that a lot of the world is offering help, but my fear is for those who must deal with the nuclear power plants, they will be the real heroes. Happy to hear you were able to contact your family.

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  51. What a beautiful post, Pat....I will most definitely be keeping your wife's family in my thoughts and prayers!! And I will also say a special prayer for you, as you come to terms with all of this hitting so close to home. Take care, okay?

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  52. So glad to hear that your wife's family is safe. Such a tragedy for Japan and my prayers are with all who have been affected by this horrible chain of events.

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  53. I'm so glad to hear your wife's family is safe. It breaks my heart to see all the devastation over there. My thoughts are with you and your wife and her family.

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  54. Pat, I didn't realize how directly impacted you are. I also didn't know about the volcano, hourly earthquakes, or transportation freezes.
    Thank you for this piece - your profound words and beautiful photos.
    My tears, prayers, and faith are with your family and the Japanese people.
    xoRobyn

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  55. The Japanese have an amazing society and culture. My prayers are with your wife's family and the nation as a hole.

    Lee
    Tossing It Out

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  56. Thanks so much to everyone for the kind words and thoughts. I ALWAYS try to answer each comment individually, but I just haven't had time over the last couple of days. I'm very happy to read that many of you noticed some of the things I said while watching the news. Paula (my wife), is very appreciative of your positive thoughts. Thanks again!

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  57. Rest up Pat--we will be here! May Prayers and Grace cover your and your Wife's Mind and heart's that know must be breaking!

    Love conquers all--but ALL kicks ass sometimes and it takes a while to recover!

    But We will stand shoulder to shoulder with you and lend whatever Love and support we can!

    Love ya Bro,

    John

    PS:

    I heard this about the Holy Spirit once and want to share it: The Greek for The Holy Spirit is Paracletos- lit. "One called alongside to help." Jesus said He would send another Helper when He went away!!! I like to think of this as a cleat on a boat, when a sinking vessel can be buoyed and held up by an undamaged one, that comes alongside and is tied up to it to support it!!

    May the Holy Spirit , come alongside and help all who are hurting, scared and has Hope Sinking right now! We stand with you, tied together by the common bond of Humanity, Decency and Love!!

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  58. Pat, So glad your family is okay. I spent a month in Japan several years ago as part of a Fulbright exchange. I got the opportunity to stay with a family and visit schools in Yamato. I was totally out of my comfort zone and everyone was welcoming and kind. My heart aches for them.

    What is the lesson we are supposed to learn from this horrible event?

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  59. Such fantastic photos. I'm so glad to hear that your family and friends are safe!

    I've been dedicating my yoga practices to Japan since this catastrophe happened. I hope that it gets easier for everyone there soon. I still can't really wrap my brain around what happened, but you are right...they are handling this crisis in such a different way than I know would be happening here under the same circumstances.

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  60. I'm glad your family is safe. I hope they stay that way.

    It is so sad to watch the disaster over there deteriortate.

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  61. Oh, Pat, I cannot imagine how you and your wife are feeling, let alone the people of Japan. You/They have my heartfelt sympathies and, so far, $25 to the Red Cross.

    And you're right. I hate to think of what such a disaster would look like here...

    Hugs,

    Pearl

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  62. So glad to hear that your family is safe. Thank you for sharing. I'll join you in praying for Japan.

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  63. I didn't know that your wife is Japanese, Pat. I'm so glad that her family is safe. Will say an extra prayer for them.

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  64. Tonight I got an email from my pal in Tokyo, full of momentary irritation because some folks had parked their cars in line at the closed gas station and left them there for the night.

    I had only three questions - 1. Are any of the cars blocking traffic? - no, of course not. 2. Do you doubt that any of the owners will not be there in the morning and that the fill-ups will not go like clockwork? - no, of course not. 3. So what's bothering you? - um...

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  65. I partly know Japan thru my godmother who served there with the Navy at the end of wwII. She brought home many beautiful souvenires. My favorite is the Geisha vanity she gave me. It is an antique now (so am I) but it has fueled my imagination for my whole life. The troubles in Hatti were not so long ago and they still suffer there. Perhaps people world wide will still have compassion left to share with Japan in her hour of need. I am happy your family was spared, but I am sure their fight is not over yet. There will be dire days ahead. Blessings on you and yours, Patrick.
    Rosemary

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  66. I'm glad that your family is okay, Pat.
    Love these photos, thanks for sharing.

    Sending my thoughts and prayers to those in Japan affected by that enormous disaster.

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  67. That is such a lovely family... And you seem so integrated on those pic... A sad thing, that earthquake, indeed.

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  68. I, too, have visited Japan twice. I recognize that moat at the Imperial Palace...a city tour stop on our itinerary. I agree with your words regarding the gentleness of the people. They are so polite, so kind and thoughtful to themselves and visitors, alike. I never felt uncomfortable or concerned about my safety walking the streets of Tokyo, Kyoto, or the small country villages about the country. Some common sense is required, but, not really too much regarding safety. My husband and I, and then on another trip, my girlfriend and I had the pleasure of staying with dear Japanese friends in Yatsushiro on the island of Kyushu. We were able to enjoy Japanese living first hand on both of those occasions. We met their friends, had meals in their homes and visited quaint little restaurants and Japanese inns while there. I know how you feel about being kicked in the ass during these last days since the tragedy struck. I feel the same. My heart simply aches day and night. Thankfully, my friends are out of harm's way but their son and his family live in Chiba Prefecture (Tokyo). Thankfully they are same as well. He works for the Meteorological Agency there and has first hand knowledge of the ongoing seismic situation.
    I didn't mean to write a book...but,....you know how it is.
    Take care and God Bless your family during these times. God Bless Japan!

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  69. We could learn lot from their culture. You don't hear of complaining, no sense of 'entitlement', they take what has been given to them and adapt as best they can. I am in awe of their spirit.

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  70. Again, thanks so much for the kind words and thoughts. It's amazing that it's been a week already and there appears to be no end in sight yet...

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  71. I'm so happy to hear your wife's family is fine.

    Now, I worry about all the nuclear reactor clouds....

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  72. I am very glad that your wife's family in Japan are safe though is shaken which is understandable. I am a Filipino and growing up I knew that Japanese are very hard working, industrious, discipline people. And as you also said they are not perfect just like anybody else. But in this catastrophe that they just endured, their being "who they are" was seen all over the world. And I call them the people of grace.
    Frankly, I haven't seen so many video from the tsunami and earthquake except in news, because I just burst to tears. It pained me watching it. I can only think of how much more to those Japanese who are there dealing with the pain. My thoughts and prayers are with them every day. God bless us all!

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  73. I work with the Japanese and they are very nice and caring people. I read an article by a Japanese man and he explained that while trying to buy provisions at his local store right after the earthquake he decided to leave 5 of the 10 bottles of water there since somebody else would probably need them too. That is the difference between the Japanese and us.

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  74. Japan and her trouble is much closer to your heart than the rest of us.

    I have Japanese students, and when I ask their parents about the trouble, they feel very touched that I asked. I really was surprised when one used the word Guilty.

    Thanks for you kind comment. I wasn't going to do it until my brother did his. I was worried people would say," we are tired of this." After I did it, i was glad.

    Hope your in laws are fine.

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  75. I am so glad your wife's family are okay, but I am sure their hearts are heavy. A nation cannot have that much tragedy and loss without great grief and questioning of the Universe's plan. My prayers go out to them and their entire country.

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  76. A very nice post Pat..and very happy to hear your extended family is okay..

    You are very right..in times of diaster we see how people behave..i think it's opened up many people to the way the japanese really are...
    We also had a little bit of looting here during the Queensland floods, which was horrible to hear, but there was so many volunteers to help, they had to turn away thousands of people..it restored my faith in humanity..

    A terrible situation for Japan.. a horrible week...

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  77. Oh Pat, I'm so sorry I failed to connect with you before now... I've not had time to blog much the past weeks, but I have been watching with horror the devastation and pain and grace an heroism in Japan on online (mostly Japanese, few US) news videos. Your wise words confirm my own view (and experience) of the Japanese people as a culture. Through friends in the US, I've learned that the mass media there is taking a very US-centric perspective on events (or just downright juvenile), and that too is so disturbing. My heart must be getting stronger as it keeps breaking over and over for people suffering around the globe from Mother Nature's capriciousness (I have family in Christchurch who have lost a lot but not lives.) And I don't think we've seen the end of this; we'd better prepare, or at least be grateful for every safe day we live (in Manila I am on the Ring of Fire, and you are too, right?) I am relieved to read that your family in Japan is alright. Thanks for putting a personal face to something just too big to fathom in many ways.

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  78. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Shared your post with my Facebook contacts.
    I wonder if you are aware of Jun Shiomitsu's compilation of Twitter messages posted by folks in Japan. http://gvk2.wordpress.com/2011/03/16/quake-hit-japanese-on-twitter/

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  79. I'm so glad your family is safe...a wonderful tribute to the people of Japan...

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  80. Pat, as always, beautifully written, so well expressed, and I bow my head; we continue to pray for the noble Japanese people.

    We will take a look at the site you propose for offering help. Additionally, I heard one of the ranking members of the Salvation Arm say they give 100%, 100%! of the contributions earmarked for Japan. There is no skimming off the top.

    Thank you for sharing the photos of your wife's beautiful family and we are heartened that they are all well. blessings to you and them.

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  81. I'm glad your wife's family is safe. My neighbor is from Japan and has a brother still over there. (Luckily, he and his family are safe too.) It's such an overwhelming turn of events -- the earthquake and then the tsunami and the worry about meltdown. My thoughts and prayers do go out to them all.

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  82. Oh Pat. I wish I had some words of comfort as you wait to hear on beloved family members. I have been so impressed with the grace and dignity the Japanese people have shown in the face of such adversity.

    I will add you and your family to my daily prayer list.

    Sending you hugs and hope.

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  83. Thanks everyone for the continuing comments and kind thoughts! Everyone in my wife's family is safe and accounted for! Thanks so much for the positive thoughts.

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  84. Hi Patrick -- thank you for sharing your wonderful personal experiences with Japan (I'm brand new to your lovely blog). I am glad your in-laws and family are relatively OK, but am sure the whole country is reeling.

    Many people have posted -- I did not feel able to say anything, but linked to a couple of posts I thought did a lovely job of writing tributes to the country.

    I enjoyed my visit and will come back to read some of more of yur interesting blog.

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  85. It is true, the manner and dignity of the response to these disasters is noticeable. Efficiency too. I would crumple in such circumstances. Glad your immediate family is safe but I expect it is making your insides tremble. This (and now Libya) is affecting my every waking moment and I have no contacts in either place.

    Lucy

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  86. I didn't know your wife was Japanese. I'm glad that all of your loved ones are okay. My prayers go out to the Japanese people.

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  87. So glad your family in Japan is safe, Pat! I am continuing to send good vibes across the sea, and what little money I can spare...

    I love your description of the grace and humility with which the Japanese approach life. When I emigrated to Ontario fifty years ago, I became friends with Japanese families who had been forced out of B.C. during the war and sent to camps in Eastern Canada. Having been treated shabbily by a country of which most had become citizens, they bore no hatred to those who robbed them of their daily lives and livelihoods. They merely worked harder than ever and started all over again.

    It is this dignity and strength that will sustain them through these trials too, but I do hope the world does its part to help....

    Lynette
    Imagination Lane

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  88. Prayers offered for your family and all of Japan. It is truly a disaster. The family photos are lovely.

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  89. Great post! Poignant and true! George Takei put it best, the Japanese are exhibiting "gaman" (perseverance, humility) during this tragedy.

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  90. Pat, exquisitely expressed post! And you are absolutely spot on about this..."They are very much like us, yet they are nothing like us." That's why I feel that every American should visit Japan at least once, to see just how much we could all learn from the Japanese.

    And your fourth paragraph is a prime example of just how AMAZING they are as a culture!

    You're right, nothing is perfect, but in my eyes (having lived there) Japan comes VERY close to perfection.

    Thanks so much for sharing the link to this post, my friend. Thoroughly enjoyed reading it. GREAT photographs.

    Domo arigato!

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  91. Ron - Thanks so much Ron! I appreciate that you took the time to go to this post and leave a comment. I also greatly appreciate the nice words!

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