A year ago, in a far away, cold and snow filled rural land, I began my blog.
From my first two followers, I somehow gained another 100! ヾ(〃^∇^)ﾉ
Sorry, I couldn’t help my excited-ness from creeping out. (See? It did it again!)
A lot of things have changed in my life, starting with the obvious: country(ies), job, friends, etc… As life would have it, I’ve had my share of ups and downs, longer than I wished un-creative and sadly non-writing phases with good times peppered in between. But for all of you who supported me through that time, my complaining and blues-y-ness, a huge heartfelt thank you.
Your support means more than you know, and although I might not be overly grabby, touchy-feely about my love for you, know I have it inside my heart and I’m still working on expressing it.
Thinking back now, I have a feeling I chose this particular date to start my blog. It’s no coincidence that I began a new quest on this very day.
Today, March 11th, marks another, sadder, anniversary, touching not only my grieving heart but the many hearts of a people and country I love, respect and pine for: Japan.
When the earthquake and tsunami hit the Tohoku region, it tore my heart apart. I would watch video after video, unable to stop the tears streaming down my face and the grief from cutting me to pieces. Cities and livelihoods were destroyed, people were snatched away from loved ones in a blink and a part of Japan was forever altered. Yet stories of unbelievable bravery kept surfacing, bringing a strange yet undeniable glow of warmth to a very dark tale.
For days I would check for news when coming back from classes, wishing I was there to help. Then the news of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant made headlines, and from the wounds caused by grief a hole formed in my chest and seemed to suck out hope.
But the Japanese endured, and persevered, and endured some more as headlines faded to other worldly matters, leaving tens of thousands of people in temporary shelter even three years after the disaster.
I can hardly believe three years have already passed, and I’m sad to note their worries and troubles are far from over. I would be immensely grateful if you could take a minute to remember the lost ones, and send good vibes to the grieving families, those still struggling today and our beloved Pacific Ocean.
Never forget 11.03.11
Love,
Ali J.
P.S: For those of you who can help, please join me and my fellow JETs and see your donations doubled here. (Donations made on March 11, 2014 (Japan time) will be matched by Global Giving.)
Melinda's Musings 