March 11 Memories
- At March 11, 2022
- By admin
- In Annes Letters
0
Dear Family and Friends,
March 11, 2022 marked the eleventh anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. For the most part, it was a regular day here, with people going to work and kids rushing to school. But the front pages of newspapers showed another story: the tsunami rolling in, devouring everything in its path, destroyed buildings, and shocked, tear-filled faces.
Of course, we all talked about that day, that time. It was a challenging, memorable period in our lives. But everyone stood humbled before their personal experiences and what people in Ukraine and Russia are going through now. In Japan we worry about Russia to the north, China to the south, North Korea to the west. A natural disaster is nothing like a war. There is no hate; there is no hunger for power; there is a beginning and end; people can look for food and water without the fear of being bombed.
Our hearts and minds are in such a different place now, not only here in Japan, but worldwide. If a tsunami of that level occurred today, international news would probably give it only a passing glance. What we will become from today’s tragedies is anyone’s guess. There will be much more suffering. But maybe that is the reality of being human and consciously striving to evolve ourselves and our societies beyond the limits we know today.
Gambarimashou, Courage, as my mother used to say.
Love,
Anne
March 11, 2022 marked the eleventh anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. For the most part, it was a regular day here, with people going to work and kids rushing to school. But the front pages of newspapers showed another story: the tsunami rolling in, devouring everything in its path, destroyed buildings, and shocked, tear-filled faces.
The event occurred at 14:26, so at that exact moment yesterday there were images on TV and digital screens of officials and ordinary citizens bowing, praying, placing flowers before memorials. It was a solemn moment, breath held in, and then life resumed its natural flow.
In the evening, a friend sent me an e-mail, remembering so many events of that time. It was not only about destruction, but also the incredible bravery and resolve of the people, how they banded together, helping friend and stranger alike. It is that unified, caring focus I remember the most and hold in my heart the most dear.
In the evening, a friend sent me an e-mail, remembering so many events of that time. It was not only about destruction, but also the incredible bravery and resolve of the people, how they banded together, helping friend and stranger alike. It is that unified, caring focus I remember the most and hold in my heart the most dear.
Of course, we all talked about that day, that time. It was a challenging, memorable period in our lives. But everyone stood humbled before their personal experiences and what people in Ukraine and Russia are going through now. In Japan we worry about Russia to the north, China to the south, North Korea to the west. A natural disaster is nothing like a war. There is no hate; there is no hunger for power; there is a beginning and end; people can look for food and water without the fear of being bombed.
Our hearts and minds are in such a different place now, not only here in Japan, but worldwide. If a tsunami of that level occurred today, international news would probably give it only a passing glance. What we will become from today’s tragedies is anyone’s guess. There will be much more suffering. But maybe that is the reality of being human and consciously striving to evolve ourselves and our societies beyond the limits we know today.
Gambarimashou, Courage, as my mother used to say.
Love,
Anne
