It’s that time of year again. New Year’s is the biggest holiday on the Japanese calendar, and as it approaches Japanese TV is full of “talent” (celebrities with no actual, recognizable talent) reflecting on the year that has passed.
And it’s been an awful one for everyone in eastern Honshu.
So I thought I’d take a moment to reflect on the things I am thankful for thus far in 2011:
-I’m thankful we didn’t die in the earthquake on March 11. For two or three minutes there, I wasn’t so sure.
-I’m thankful my son was home with the flu that day. So many children ended up spending the night at school and daycare because their parents were unable to come home from work. Not to mention the parents who never came, or the children who never made it home from school.
-I’m thankful for my husband’s relatives in Kyushu who took us in for a few weeks when the stress from near constant aftershocks, supply shortages, not to mention a nuclear disaster got to be too much. Extra kudos to the cousin who made what could have been a horrible time into a fun, memorable one.
-I’m thankful for the fantastic new friend I made while I was there.
-I’m thankful that the rolling blackouts planned for the summer didn’t actually occur.
There is a lot about this situation I am still very unhappy about. Receiving a note from your child’s school that said, in effect, “We fed your child radioactive beef. Oops!” was kind of a low point.
Going to the grocery store a few days after the earthquake to find shelves absolutely bare, returning home and making due with what we have, unable to know when I would be able to buy more food for my children was another low point.
Waving to my newly minted first grader until he was out of sight on the day he walked to school by himself for the first time would have been a low point regardless, but having a rather large aftershock occur at exactly that moment was probably the worst moment of the entire year.
But we survived, no more traumatized than anyone else I suppose, and much, much better off than so many thousands of people to the north of us.
The year-end festivities will take on a somber note this year. There is still the power shortage to deal with, so the Christmas lights aren’t as bright as usual. Somehow that seems appropriate.
And I am left wondering, how will 2011 be remembered by the rest of the world?
This is an original post to World Moms Blog from mother of two in Japan, Melanie Oda. You also can find Melanie writing on her personal blog, Hamakko Mommy.
Photo credit to Halleboo. This photo has a creative commons attribution license.
Wow! You and your family have been through a lot this year! Thanks for sharing your story.
Melanie, thanks for that slice of somber reality. Your post left me eager for many more details and accounts of your experience as a Westerner during that traumatic time but perhaps you have exhausted that topic on your personal blog. I’ll certainly pray for a much more abundant and safe 2012 He Sei (nana nen deshoo?) Ganbatte!
What amazing perspective you bring to this reflection. You are honest about the reality of the tough year but manage to look at your blessings within the disaster. What a gift! Many blessings to you and your family for a better, safer 2012!
Thank you so much for writing about Japan. We haven’t heard much since the tragic events and it is good to get your perspective. I can’t imagine going through what you and your family and fellow countrymen have been through. Keep writing so the world doesn’t forget!
What a touching post Melanie. You certainly have a lot to be grateful for after the horrible nightmare that you and you family endured. It is something that will stay with you for ever, but moving past it and looking towards the future is the best new year’s gift you can give your children. Happy holidays, and happy, healthy and safe 2012!