Friday, March 11, 2011

On a dark day for Japan


Statue of a Buddha in Engyoji on Mount Shosha

My thoughts, condolences and good wishes go to the country and its people who have come up with so much to make me happy. May they weather the major disaster that is the magnitude 8.9 earthquake and its accompanying tsunami and other aftermaths.

Take care, everyone, wherever you are. For those who are out of harm's way: thank your lucky stars and be grateful for having what you normally take for granted -- including physical health and safety.

13 comments:

just me said...

I totally agree. I'm really glad all my friends reported that they and their family are safe. It was a long day for all of them in Tokyo and I'm not sure if power has been restored for my friend in Gunma but at least they are safe. :)

Anonymous said...

My thoughts are also with those affected by the earthquake. It was difficult to watch the devastation on TV last night. I hope at least the fatalities are not too high.

It's also reminded me that I really do need to increase my emergency preparedness, since I live in a place that's due for a big quake in the unforeseeable future.

And yes, let's all be grateful for all the good things -- no matter how small -- in our lives.

Joyce Lau said...

I liked the way you wrote this post.
God help those people in Japan.

Anonymous said...

I share your sentiments :(

YTSL said...

Hi "just me" --

My family and I have friends in Japan too. My thoughts immediately went to them upon hearing the news. But seeing the footage of the terrible devastation, I got to feeling for the whole of the country. So shocking and sad.

Hi duriandave --

I think of Japan as the country most able to deal with earthquakes and tsunamis. Even when I see the shocking pictures and videos, I find myself thinking -- it surely would have been worse anywhere else in the world. Still, there is no question it is a major disaster. May the country and people recover before too long from it.

Hi Joyce --

Thank you.

Hi ewok1993 --

Am glad I was able to express what others as well as I feel.

just me said...

Hi YTSL,

I know what you mean. My thoughts immediately went to my friends and their love ones. But when I saw the tsunami wave sweep over the Eastern coastline and footage of the disaster, it really hit home just how massive this disaster was. After that, I really, really, really felt very much for the people of Japan. It's terrible. :(

They are still experiencing strong aftershocks in Japan. Some even as bad as 6 on the Richter. I just hope that everyone stays safe and that the death toll will not be horrible and that Japan will recover quickly from this disaster.

Diana said...

I agree, very well said YTSL. I am waiting to hear from some friends with the good news that they are safe. We aren't close so I don't expect to be tops on their list of folks to notify so I know I have to be patient.

American Red Cross is on top of it, I got an appeal for help this afternoon. (Yes, I admit I am one of those who only remember to donate after hearing about a natural disaster and they seem to know my type well.)

YTSL said...

Hi again "just me" --

Hear, hear... Also, initially read that the earthquake was magnitude 7.9 -- 8.9 is so much worse... something like over 1,000 times stronger than the earthquake that recently hit Christchurch. So the mind boggles... and then the emotions kick in.

Hi Diana --

Thanks for reading, commenting and sharing. Hope that your friends are safe -- and remember that, as the proverbial "they" say, no news is good news.

Susan Demeter said...

My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Japan too.

Marta said...

The people of Japan are in our thought both for their tremendous loss and I can't help put have a bit of fear myself living in part of the Earthquake zone on the West Coast of the US.

MaR said...

I am with you! loved your post. My heart belongs to Japan these days.

Maya said...

Beautifully written post.

YTSL said...

Hi Sue --

Seems like it's this way with a lot of people -- and I have to say I, for one, am really glad.

Hi Marta --

I hear you. For decades now, I had heard about LA's impending "big one". After Christchurch and now this big Japan disaster, one can't help but think and worry that more is to come... :S

Hi Mar --

Something I can't help reflecting on amidst all this: how a country whose people used to be feared and despised is now actually pretty well thought of these days. Honestly, there's so much about Japanese culture (and of its landscape) that I have come to love and admire. So my heart is heavy to think how much of that has been impacted by the earthquake and tsunami. :(