It is now half a year ago since the Earthquake and Tsunami hit Japan. Since than, that brave people has taught us quite some lessons. We can only admire them and show our LOVE...
This is the gift from Neiman Marcus that I've bought and presented to the Mayor from our Sister-City of Osaki, Japan on my visit as a chaperon in July of 2007 (see {News from Our Sister-City Osaki in JAPAN + Join NISSAN with donation!} and {Japanese Yubikan from 1692 that I visited at Iwadeyama Osaki JAPAN, collapsed by earthquake}). A very appropriate glazed tile with metal tray and coasters with the word Love worked into the art.
Not a single visual of chest-beating or wild grief. Sorrow itself has been elevated.
2. THE DIGNITY
Disciplined queues for water and groceries. Not a rough word or a crude gesture.
3. THE ABILITY
The incredible architects, for instance. Buildings swayed but did not fall.
4. THE GRACE
People bought only what they needed for the present, so everybody could get something.
5. THE ORDER
No looting in shops. No honking and no overtaking on the roads. Just understanding.
6. THE SACRIFICE
Fifty workers stayed back to pump sea water in the N-reactors. How will they ever be repaid?
7. THE TENDERNESS
Restaurants cut prices. An unguarded ATM is left alone. The strong cared for the weak.
8. THE TRAINING
The old and the children, everyone knew exactly what to do. And they did just that.
9. THE MEDIA
They showed magnificent restraint in the bulletins. No silly reporters. Only calm reportage.
10. THE CONSCIENCE
When the power went off in a store, people put things back on the shelves and left quietly.
What a people! What a country! What a nation!
World should be watching and learn how to behave.
Even during the heat and humidity of summer, no one complained for conserving as much energy as possible... So much about really going GREEN!
♥♥♥
Thank you for reminding us Mariette. I have a cousin who lives in Tokyo, so I echo your words.
ReplyDeleteAnna
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Olá, amiga!°º♫
É uma lição de vida, de cultura, de valores.
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Bom domingo!
Beijinhos.
Brasil°º♫
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Liebe Mariette heute morgen habe ich auch an die vielen Opfer gedacht in Amerika wie auch in Japan.
ReplyDeleteDiese Bilder die du uns da zeigst sind wunderbar,was hast du und Peter schon alles erlebt.Die Fliesen mit den Buchstaben darauf gefallen mir auch sehr gut.Liebe Grüße -Edith.
Lieve Mariette,
ReplyDeleteGoed dat jij ons er aan helpt herinneren. Vandaag is het ook bij jullie een bijzondere dag. Onvoorstelbaar dat het alweer tien jaar geleden is....
Lieve groet, Madelief x
E' vero,c'è molto da imparare dal Giappone!Buona domenica!Rosetta
ReplyDeletedear Mariette,
ReplyDeleteThank you for such GOOD WORDS for our people!!!
I still have lots of "IFs" and might have saved many lives.....
Sorry, I wish to write more but I need to go back to bed and rest. Under the weather since yesterday.
Hugs to you, Orchid.
My dear, beautifully written! It is amazing the grace and elegance these people maintained under such tragic circumstances ... you are so correct, the world should take note of this. PEACE is much better for all around the world. Thinking of you, Pieter and all those who were affected by this day in the USA and those around the world. sending you love, hugs and many blessings, xo HHL
ReplyDeleteHello Mariette,
ReplyDeletesome reasons for the Japanese reactions are in their religion. My thought are with all people in the world, who made the sad experience to loose home and family.
Best greetings, Johanna
oh quanta saggezza...un bacio ady
ReplyDeleteMariette, I too noticed the dignified way in which the Japanese conducted themselves during that tragedy. My family discussed how different was the reaction to Katrina in Louisiana.
ReplyDeleteIt is in their culture.
Love to you, Ginger