in japan, my thoughts, my family, my friends

With a disaster, the first need is to gather together with those closest to us, or, if not possible, to be in touch with our immediate family and friends, to be reassured that each is not in danger or hurt. While many of us have been actively reaching out over the past few days, and have been reassured, we are also impacted by learning of the terrible devastation and the loss and destruction that others are experiencing.

I am struck by multiple emotions at the same time. I am amazed at the technology that allows us to have almost simultaneous information across great distances. International news, facebook, skype, email, telephone across computer lines, all give immediate news. Relief that our closest are alive and well. Great concern about the continuing aftershocks, disruption of basic needs, water, transportation, foods, fears about radiation. Admiration for the reaction of the disaster teams. Desire to assist in some way. And always, gathering closest to family members, the solace that it provides.

Gratitude is high on the list, including gratitude for being associated with the organization and the family of Summers-Knoll School, a community made up of so many people working every day to create a better environment, a beautiful space to learn, and most important, creating compassion and hope in the newest generation.

The Russians of Pavel Lebedev-Lastochkin in Japan,
with their ships tossed inland by atsunami, meeting Japanese in 1779