Dedicated to Japan

Today, I had to have one of the most difficult conversations with my 5 year old daughter. I had to explain to her why mommy and daddy were crying!

As you may have known or guessed by now, the earthquake in Japan and the subsequent Tsunami has had a major impact on me mentally, emotionally and physically. I am not sure if it’s because I’m a parent of two beautiful children with a lovely wife, or is it because I’m watching tragedy unfold right before my eyes; I’m not sure if it’s because I was in Tokyo less than a year ago or is it because I’m worried of the unknown and the “what-ifs” of the mother nature. Or am I simply affected by the way heroes are made each day.

On my way to work this morning, I heard about the “Fukushima 50”: A group of dedicated individuals that are risking their lives preventing the meltdown of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant and the subsequent destruction of the nearby cities. In other word, it is a group that is made of someone’s children, siblings, parents and friends.

Well, it’s fair to say that I was greatly touched by the story and their demonstrated heroism; so much so that for most of the day I walked around thinking of little else. I couldn’t believe that there are still people out there, who are willing to put their lives on the line for others.

And I finally broke down at home, in front of my daughter, who was curious as to why I was crying. I wanted my daughter to remember Tokyo the way it was when we saw it; I wanted her to remember the Tokyo Disney and the Hello Kitty Land, the tall buildings, the neon lights, the busy streets, the great food, the street vendors, the packed trains, the friend she made at one of the bare parks in the suburb, her many friends at the Tokyo Metropolitan Children’s Hall, and all the other good things that we experienced.



Japan, I’d like thank you for being a wonderful host and allowing us to be a part of your history.

Thank you for reading,

Armin

PS. I didn’t know how else to thank the “Fukushima 50” other than by writing this piece; I hope it reaches them in good health. My thoughts and prayers are with them.