Image from Ishinomaki taken by Brad White
A few hours ago, I reread the post I wrote on March 12, 2011. Since I read it, I’ve been sitting here, my son sleeping in his crib, my husband and dog sleeping on the couch, remembering. I remember many things about 3.11.2011. Feelings of fear, confusion, uncertainty and sadness overwhelmed me that day and to an extent they still do today. With every video that replays the footage of the tsunami or the violent shaking of the earthquake, I am reminded that while that day was difficult for me, I am blessed to have my life still intact. There are so many whose lives are still being pieced back together. And some that will never again be whole.
Today marks one year since the earthquake and tsunami that caused so much destruction in northern Japan. In some ways, it seems that more than a year has passed, while in others it feels much shorter. Life has returned to normal here in Tokyo, with the same busy crosswalks, crowded trains, and bright lights. The aftershocks that were so frequent in the days and weeks after the quake are over, though each time the ground begins to tremble, even slightly, I can’t help but feel a little more uneasy than I did before March 11.
The fears about radiation in Fukushima are still very real for those who used to live in the vicinity of the power plant.There has been a huge amount of progress made in cleaning up the mess left behind by the tsunami up north, but it will be quite a while before things feel “normal” again.
I’ve been reading emails and comments that you all sent on that day and in the days that followed. Tears still well up in my eyes when I relive the care and concern that you sent to us from all over the world. Thank you for that. One of the amazing things about this community is the amount of support you give to people you’ve never met in person. It’s because of people like you that we (and by ‘we’ I mean everyone impacted) grow in strength after events such as these.
In addition to the memories of this day last year, I am reminded when I look at the sweet little fingers of my son, and feel the love of my husband’s hugs, that we are ever so blessed. No matter how busy life becomes or how many difficult moments move in and out of our lives, I will always be thankful to God for my family. And I will always feel immense sadness for those who lost loved ones on 3.11.2011.
Here’s the truth: Japan is just as beautiful, if not more so, as it was a year ago. There is still sadness and feelings of loss for many, but there are also beautiful reasons to celebrate life and survival. No, we should never forget what happened on that Friday afternoon one year ago. We should also never forget that it is through suffering that we find our strength. We find that beauty still surrounds us.
So don’t forget.
Please remember.
