It's a stormy and dreary day here in Colorado. The kids and I arrived safely a little over a week ago after traveling over 48 hours. I think the jet lag has finally worn off and we feel rested. And now that I am here I want nothing more than to go back. I miss Japan, I miss my friends, and I miss my husband.
There have been people who stayed behind that accused those of who evacuated of "abandoning" Japan and its people. That really upset me at first, and I felt like I had been put on the defensive. But now, in spite of a sham of an article in the "Farse and Lies" (ie Stars and Stripes)- that said that everyone who evacuated only did so for a "free vacation", I am at peace with my decision.
There will always be haters out there, who want nothing more than to make everyone as miserable as they are. I am a good person, I will not justify my decisions to anyone. My family and my country come first. Call me selfish, I don't care. That isn't to say that my heart isn't broken and I don't grieve for Japan and her people. At last count, according to NHK World, over 27,600 people are dead or missing. My brain can't process that number.
Eventually we will return. When that is, I don't know. Until then we remain in limbo, while trying to have some sense of normalcy for the kids' sake. They are enrolled in school here and are enjoying seeing their cousins again after 2 years. While we wait, I am trying not to break down and cry. I am afraid I won't be able to stop.
Your earlier point about leaving so there would be more resources for Japanese residents marks you as a thoughtful and kind person, not a quitter. I'm glad you're able to shrug off the haters and do what's right for you.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you didn't get to say a proper goodbye to Japan, which must be making this all the harder -- but hopefully you'll be back soon enough that a goodbye is not necessary. Sending good wishes to you and your family.
I'm so impressed with you. I'm at peace with my decision, but man do those haters infuriate me. :(
ReplyDeleteI miss everyone, too. I knew I was going to move this summer, but to leave so abruptly has broken my heart. It's just very lonely now. Despite being around family and even old friends, I miss my friends from Japan and I just feel very lonely.