Japan

Like many people in the world, I've been following the events in Japan. The tsunami videos are bone-chilling, and the aftermath is catastrophic. This is a world event, and I felt like I needed to call my younger children in and talk about it. It's not easy, but it's far easier for us, than for the people of Japan.

Some years ago, a neighbor's husband and son disappeared. Her husband flew a small airplane, and authorities weren't sure where it went down. The search area was huge, and even after she and her extended family looked every weekend for months, there was still no sign. Winter came and they had to stop. The time arrived when she knew all chances of finding them alive were gone.

I've never seen such pain. She couldn't go anywhere without someone stopping her to talk about it. I don't know if I could have handled that, but she kept going. Neighbors and the community rallied around her. Everyone tried to do what they could. In the spring, hunters found the airplane and remains in a remote region. Finally, the family gained some closure, although the loss never went away.

I can only imagine that's what it's like for so many in Japan. I'm sad for the thousands who are missing, and the friends and family aching to know, hoping for a miracle. And there have been a few. I'm so happy for each rescue. I'm also heartened by the many nations around the world pledging support and sending teams to their aid.

For your loss, and all the repurcussions of this disaster, our hearts and prayers go out to our neighbors in Japan. I hope you know we care, because we do.