Beloved Japan.

ByKeri Coles

Gene and I took Ella to Asia when she was 3.5 months old. I will forever be grateful for the experiences we had there, especially as new parents navigating the waters of “how to be a good parent”. Being immersed in other cultures while we were raw and evolving in our new roles was such a gift. We got to witness over and over again that a “norm” is culturally based and not static, which gave us the courage to challenge assumptions and norms from back home. The biggest one of these for me was integrated community.

Everywhere we travelled, Ella was immediately brought into the folds of the community. At restaurants, fifteen year old male waiters would pick Ella up and entertain her while we ate our meal. Out and about, people would offer a stroller that she could nap in. People walking down the street engaged with her all the time. She was continually encouraged to be a part of the happenings. Kids were everywhere. They are a very valued part of the community. I remember coming home and going through culture shock when people wouldn’t even make eye contact with Ella (this is not a judgement on individuals here, it is merely an observation of collective habits).

In Japan, the kindness of the community was immense. At one point, we ran out of diapers for Ella. We stopped a mom in the street to ask about where to find some. The mom passed her young baby to her friend and proceeded to take us to the store to find some. One empty store led to another and after an hour of looking (and many attempts at trying to let this poor lady get back to her baby) we found some. We were so touched by her graciousness. Another time, I was on my own checking out some stores when it started to rain. The shop-keeper offered me an umbrella. I thanked her but said that I wouldn’t be back this way and that I would be fine. She insisted that I take it anyway. Those are just two random examples of the endless warmth and generosity that we were shown. Beauty, kindness, grace and dignity were everywhere.

Beauty . Kindness . Grace . Dignity

That is all I can think about since first hearing of the devastating earthquake and tsunami and now resulting nuclear troubles. The thought of such horrific events happening to such beautiful people haunts me.

Whole communities have been wiped out and many more may never be able to return to their towns, their neighbourhoods, their homes or their familes. I can not imagine what that horror, loss and displacement must feel like.

If I were there, I would be giving hugs, making food, building shelter, doing whatever I could to help ease some of the pain. Because I can not be there right now I want to at least help support the ones who are. I don’t usually ask for help but I am asking for your help today in working with me to send our support. Every little bit helps and this is my little bit.

https://kericoles.com/2011/04/beloved-japan-part-ii-action

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