Green foxtail love

It has been raining for the past few days. It is the rainy season in Japan, but what is contrary to the norm is, schools have been closed. It is because of possible landslide warning issued by the city office in fear of the recent Osaka earthquake occurred in June 18, 2018.

We were watching the rain fall in our backyard and saw the drains filled with water, and the grass wet from the rain and the raindrops on the fence. What captivated me was a single green foxtail grass standing amidst the rain. The flashing green color and the raindrops on the grass made it exceptionally prepossessing. Aritya was looking at it too and we both enjoyed the serenity of the rain and the beautiful grass. Little that I know, that Aritya was determined to get the foxtail after the rain ceased (after a few days). He plucked the foxtail grass, got rid of the excessive leaves and handed it over to me. I was touched by his act of kindness and love and told him so. I Since then, every time we go for a walk, to explore the ‘wilderness’ of the world, and every time he spots the green foxtail, he will pluck them and gave them to me. This practice has continued for some time now and I have collected quite several green foxtails on my shelf. Whenever I questioned his endearing act, he says ‘because you like it (foxtail) and I love amma’. That was one of the many nicest things that I have heard him say and do. The capacity of a 3 year old to exhibit and share his love is something that we all can imitate and pursuit.   

Osaka earthquake 2018

Having experienced my first earthquake in 2011 have thought me the perils of earthquake and how insignificant we are in the eyes of natural disasters. But being human, we move on, forgetting the terrors of the past and looking forward to the wonderful things ahead of us. But the experience of the Tohoku earthquake in 2011, has thought us enough to be alert (at least) or be safe for the next disaster. But, never have I thought that we would experience another mass earthquake. On June 18, 2018, an earthquake occurred in the northern part of Osaka prefecture. The epicenter is merely miles away from where we live. It was in the morning of a bright Monday morning and we were happily preparing for school and work. Aritya was happily dancing to Taylor Swift’s shake it off song (the irony). I was boiling some eggs and invited him to watch it boiling. I carried him and suddenly we heard loud noise and furniture was shaking. It took me a few seconds to realize what was happening, but Satya was already shouting ‘earthquake, earthquake’ and headed to the door. I followed suit while carrying Aritya, fearing for his safety but I tumbled on the floor. To my surprise, I got up hastily and the three of us ran outside. Aritya was oblivious of what was happening. I hate to think that he experienced this but was thankful enough that he was in my arms when the earthquake happened. I was trembling while holding him hoping that the situation does not get worse. After deemed safe, we got back into the house and checked with our neighbor and learned that a 6.0 magnitude earthquake hit the northern prefecture of Osaka. It was a vertical shake that had made standing on the ground a difficulty and caused my tumble. School was closed that day, and we stayed alert for the whole night every time there was an aftershock. Aritya had learned about earthquake now but it made him anxious and he feared for things falling and loud noises. I hated that he had to experience this and have this fear of natural disasters. I am glad that schools in Japan and even parents have thought kids to be prepared in such situations and to keep safe during disasters. I all I hope is that it does not happen again and for him to be near me so that I could keep him safe.

8th Year

Today marks the 8th year of my transplantation and this is my 8th Tanabata in Japan.
8 wonderful years in Japan, surrounded by kind and humble people.
Accomplishing many successes and failures and still moving on feeling blessed with the opportunity that I have been given.
Transplantation reminds me of my second birth and the second chance that I have got to live this life to the fullest with gratitude and appreciation to everyone that matters.
Happy 8th year of transplantation and happy tanabata