Looking back 311

This article I am posting is the one I wrote 2 years ago when Japan was struck by a 9.0 magnitude earthquake followed by a killer tsunami. As Japan looks back at this disaster on this day, I can't help but sympathize with the victims. Hearing their heartbreaking stories about how the disaster destroyed their lives, the pain they went through after losing someone they loved, they convey these stories like it only happened yesterday. Time can only heal these wounds. Until then, let us hope and pray that these victims will be able to accept what happened and live a peaceful life.

With what happened, I just realized something -- I am lucky. I am lucky I have my child and husband with me, sitting right next to me, wherein I can hug them and kiss them anytime I want. Life is too short to live in resentments, frustrations and regrets. Love the people around you, treasure their existence while they are still there to appreciate it, and love you back. Material things can be replaced, but the feeling of happiness and the memories brought by it is forever.


Ganbare Nippon!
March 23, 2011

"It's been 12 days since Japan was struck by a 9.0 magnitude earthquake followed by a killer tsunami literally wiping out the entire coast of Miyagi prefecture compounded by a nuclear threat in which at this point is in serious condition with wider consequences if not stabilized.

Japan is a country that lives in the brink of disaster, located at one of the most seismically active spots in the whole world. As natural disasters lay bare the best and worst in people, it has brought the remarkable characters of the Japanese men -- resilient and disciplined.

Despite the scarcity of food, fuel and essential supplies, the sense of order is still intact. They fall in line regardless of the freezing cold. They accept rations with few complaints. And there are no reports of looting and rioting.

Even their language is an attestation on how they deal with tragedy and loss - gaman andshoganai. Though these phrases may denote helplessness but it is also a sense of dealing life's vagaries that cannot be controlled.

I am not sure if it is psychological trait or culture which conveys these characters. Or maybe it is because of the nation's preparedness against disasters. Or maybe because the country is all too familiar in loosing everything and starting anew. Nevertheless, I truly admire their compassion, endurance and self-abnegation in this wake of crisis -- it is extraordinary to see.

As I watch the news - hearing stories of miracles, seeing families reuniting, sacrificing oneself for others, coping with loss, these incredible scenes put tears in my eyes. Though it breaks my heart, the only thing I can do for now is pray.

Amidst this tragedy, everything is a race against time for Japan. And I believe, rebuilding its nation will not be an easy task. It is a huge challenge for the government and for the Japanese people as well."

The images above are not mine.