Remembering the Devastation in Japan

Hello my good friends,

I have been very moved and saddened by the unbelievable scenes from Japan in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake and Tsunami. The loss of life is staggering. Although it is difficult, we should try to learn and draw strength from the good that comes after a disaster. What has inspired me, and what we all should be looking to and learning from, is the willpower of the Japanese people to persevere in the face of such a catastrophic loss of life.

I would like to share an email from a good friend who also lost his son on 9/11. My heartfelt prayers go out to him and his family and to all the people of Japan as they begin the long journey of recovery and rebuilding. May they have the strength and support from around the world as we received after 9/11.

Dear Meriam, Jennifer, Lee.

Thank you for your e-mail. The earthquake brought some effect for us, but generally say we are well. About our family, our younger son are living in Fukushima city, not far from the nuclear power station. His wife and girl, our grand daughter, are came and stayed with wife's family in Tokyo, but he returned to Fukushima city. The power station being continued to suppress in very critical condition.

Almost 9.11 families living west area from Tokyo, but one family are living Ibaraki prefecture, next to Fukushima pref. so I confirmed by call that they are well.

About quake and tsunami disaster, north east coast of Japan were utterly destroyed. All cities and towns are lost perfectly, in spite of their preparedness for tsunami.

At present about 10,000 persons are confirmed dead and about 20,000 are missing.

The disaster occur very broad area and damages are so big. It's recall me the situation after 2nd World War. But we, especially Tohoku people, will overcome like the after war we did so.

If you would like to donate to support the victims of the earthquake and tsunami allow me to recommend two places:

Japan Earthquake Relief Fund

“Japan Society has created a disaster relief fund to aid victims of the Tohoku earthquake in Japan. Over the years, Japan Society has partnered with several Japanese and American non-profits working on the frontlines of disaster relief and recovery. 100% of your generous tax-deductible contributions will go to organization(s) that directly help victims recover from the devastating effects of the earthquake and tsunamis that struck Japan on March 11, 2011.” Their web-site is http://www.japansociety.org/earthquake.

Doctors Without Borders (MSF)

MSF Response to Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami

“MSF has sent medical teams to support the government-led earthquake and tsunami response in Japan. Our teams are running mobile clinics and conducting needs assessments, which will determine the full scope of MSF's response.” “At this point, MSF USA is drawing on unrestricted donations given to MSF to fund our efforts, and MSF USA is not accepting donations specifically earmarked for recovery efforts in Japan. We greatly appreciate your generosity and encourage your support of our work. We will continue to post updates our homepage, Facebook, andTwitter as new information becomes available.” Their web-site is http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/donate/overview.cfm?ref=main-menu

Be well,

Lee

P.S. Please remember our men and women in uniform.