Saturday, March 12, 2011

Tsunami

I can hardly express what it means that so many have stopped here to let me know they were thinking of me and my family.  If you could see me, you would see me bowing in deeply felt thanks for your concern. 

If there are typos in this, I hope you will overlook it.  My hands are still shaking.  The report from Kyoto news service has just said over a thousand dead.  And that is only a beginning estimate--the bodies have only begun to wash ashore.

My husband and children are safe--and I am selfishly grateful and horribly guilty.  The quake hit at 2:46pm.  All I can think of is that that's when school gets out.  I can hardly bear to think of how many children were stuck at school or already on their way home.  First graders would have been on their way home, like my daughter.

More than 80.000 are said to be missing. 
Posted by yokohamamama at 4:03 AM

15 comments:

  1. LuisitaMarch 12, 2011 at 4:18 AM

    I'm glad your family is all right. My relations are in Sendai - no word yet.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousMarch 12, 2011 at 4:20 AM

    Reading this is nothing short of horrible. I feel so powerless, being here on the other side of the world, thinking that if only thoughts were enough...

    ReplyDelete
  3. yokohamamamaMarch 12, 2011 at 4:30 AM

    Luisita-- I am so sorry. I am so sorry. I can hardly type this.

    ReplyDelete
  4. yokohamamamaMarch 12, 2011 at 4:33 AM

    Luisita-- do you have this information?

    http://japan.person-finder.appspot.com/

    http://www.google.com/crisisresponse/japanquake2011.html

    http://newsroom.redcross.org/

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnonymousMarch 12, 2011 at 5:14 AM

    I read your blog but have never commented before. I' glad to see you and your family are okay, and saddened to hear of those who are not. Are there any relief agencies that can be contributed to as a small way to help?
    -Gary

    ReplyDelete
  6. JoloMarch 12, 2011 at 5:44 AM

    I cannot imagine the fear you had, I am glad you and your family are doing well.

    ReplyDelete
  7. DazMarch 12, 2011 at 7:04 AM

    Glad your family are okay. The bigger picture is ... too damn big.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Chris SlabyMarch 12, 2011 at 8:08 AM

    Indeed it is good news to hear that you and your family are all safe! I can't even imagine what you must be feeling now. I hope that you are able to return home soon. Know that you have the friendship and support of many readers and friends!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Chris SlabyMarch 12, 2011 at 8:14 AM

    Also, I'm sure there are many other organizations (and this is coming from an American source), but Time has a list of some organizations that will be playing a role in helping: http://newsfeed.time.com/2011/03/11/five-ways-you-can-help-earthquake-and-tsunami-victims-in-japan/

    ReplyDelete
  10. AnonymousMarch 12, 2011 at 10:02 AM

    I'm with Daz, so glad that the family that we've come to care about through your blog here is doing alright, and just truly overwhelmed by the magnitude of all this.

    As always, my heart (and the hearts of my family who now know all about your family too) is with you, Amy.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Chris SlabyMarch 12, 2011 at 10:24 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Chris SlabyMarch 12, 2011 at 10:26 PM

    Here is the Japan Times website with updated news and helpful phone numbers for locals.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Sarah AhiersMarch 12, 2011 at 10:28 PM

    any word on when you'll be able to travel home yet?
    Got word from my cousin, they're fine. The quake was only about 3.0 there (Hamamatsu) and no tsunami.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Chris SlabyMarch 13, 2011 at 1:49 AM

    More possible helpful links, from Time Out Tokyo and The Japan Times.

    ReplyDelete
  15. yokohamamamaMarch 25, 2011 at 1:46 PM

    Gary--welcome, please comment any time! Japan Red Cross is about the best place to donate--thank you so much for your kindness.

    Jolo-- thank you so much. And, yokoso--please comment any time:-)

    Daz-- the bigger picture is almost unbearable.

    Chris-- thank you *so* much. You are so kind. And thank you for providing so many excellent and useful links (that I was too shaken to hunt up myself)!

    Alice-- thank you. All the virtual hugs have helped a lot:-)

    Sarah-- *so* glad you've heard from your cousin! (I know where that is:-)

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)