The Flowers in My Garden Tell the Story of 3/11/2011
Earlier this week, the 1st flowers bloomed in my garden this spring season (for those interested in botany, they’re called snowdrops). As the title of this blogpost suggests, its flowering tells the story of what happened on March 11, 2011, or 10 years ago today, when we all watched the devastation of the East Japan Earthquake and tsunami. Since then, the Japanese people have remained unyielding in building back better, and countries and non-state entities have made their best efforts to aid the Japanese people in a time of great need and tragedy. It goes without saying that all of us are deeply saddened by the tremendous loss of life and livelihoods from 3/11, but even 10 years later, I am heartened by the rebuilding efforts that have since transpired (particularly in the Tohoku region) and how much people care deeply for the well-being of the Japanese people in the wake of a tragedy that cannot be easily explained to others in mere words.
In reflecting the 10th anniversary of 3/11, I have a few major takeaways. I have met so many amazing people who have — and are still — deeply invested in sharing their own personal accounting of 3/11. Their stories have inspired many (including myself) to always remember how blessed we should be for what we already have, along with the many hopes and aspirations that we have for ourselves, our loved ones, and our friends. As we are learning day-by-day with COVID-19, unimaginable tragedies provide windows of opportunity to unveil courage, resilience, and rebuilding. I am nothing short of thankful that so many people care very much about Japan, along with the enduring US-Japan alliance — and it has yet to blossom even more. Knowing that this 10th anniversary of 3/11 was this week, I saw the snowdrops blooming in my garden as a sign of the song 花は咲く(“Flowers will Bloom”) coming to life right before my eyes. These flowers are a testament that in these uniquely challenging times coexisting with COVID-19, we too can weather these uncertain waters in unison so that we can create a better future for ourselves and that of future generations.
