Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Japan

Ever since I was about 8 years old I have been fascinated with Japan.  I don't know why. It just sort of happened.  I was entranced by the movie Shogun and its portrayal of a wonderful, mystical land.  I thought the women, in their embroidered silken kimonos, were stunningly beautiful.

As I grew older, my interest intensified.  I bought Japanese language books.  I asked my mom if we could make a Japanese dinner and eat at our coffee table.  We sat on the floor, drank tea and ate sukiyaki.   For my 12th birthday I wanted Japanese characters on my cake.  In college, I took some Japanese history and language classes.  Then, I found the man of my dreams.  I was amazed to learn that his mom had come to America from Japan.      

When our first daughter was 18 months old, we took her to Japan.  The country was everything I thought it would be.  I sat in the temples and a wave of peace washed over me.  I could hardly believe the road I had taken to get there.

I remain puzzled by my soul's gravity like pull toward Japan. I look at my husband and our three children Jessica, Alyssa and Ryan, and I'm grateful for the contribution this far off land has made to my life.  

My heart goes out to all of Japan and it's people in the wake of the tsunami/earthquake tragedy.

Kathy





4 comments:

  1. It's funny how something that seems random at the time, can actually make more sense as we get older. It things like this that make me believe in fate.

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  2. That is awesome. I love Japan too. I love the people, the culture, the country. I've been a few times and would love to spend an extended stay with the fam.

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  3. I felt the same way when I met some Japanese people at a camp I worked with after high school. I became close friends with one of them, and ever since me and my family's life has been drawn in one way or another to Japan. Two of my sons served LDS missions there. They are incredible people (the Japanese not my sons, altho the boys are pretty cool too LOL). I can't believe what is happening there now. I feel so bad for Japan and those who are suffering.

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  4. I've not yet visited Japan, but want to. In particular I've always been drawn to the temples of Kyoto...and the cherry blossoms. Maybe I want a Hattori Hanzo sword too? Anyway, it's amazing to see the grace in which Japan's people have handled such devastation.

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