I took a break from work this morning and went to one of my favorite places, Descanso Gardens. As I walked by the Japanese Tea House and Gardens, I said a prayer for all those in Japan who are affected by this devastating earthquake and tsunami and also the nuclear disaster. My heart breaks for them, as I cannot imagine the untold suffering and utter despair that they are going through and will for a long time to come. How does one recover from something like this?
Having lived through a few large earthquakes, I cannot wrap my brain around the utter devastation that I see on CNN. Living in Southern California, we have always been told, as far back as I can remember, that the BIG one is coming and to be prepared (most are not). Japan is one of the most-prepared countries for such a disaster on the face of this earth; however, even they could not be prepared for what was unleashed upon them one week ago today. My mouth dropped as I watched the tsunami as it was happening, in real-time, a week ago tonight. I could not believe what I was seeing. The wave washed over farmland, carrying boats, houses and destroying everything in its path. I keep thinking that mankind, in its arrogance, thinks that it has everything "figured out". Not. We are in no way a match for nature and its absolute power. All we can do is be prepared, the best that we can, and if and when something happens, be there for each other.
What strikes me is the Japanese people's civility, even in the face of this unimaginable tragedy. No looting, no anger; such grace. I so respect them - I think we can all learn a lesson from them.
