So this one won't be too long or too funny. But still remarkable when it comes to shit you or I-- just can't make up. If you check my Facebook profile, on March 10th at 6:37pm, I posted this:
"SUPERMOON! Bring it. And anything that comes with it. (I ain't scared!)" and a link to an article about an astrologer who predicted the upcoming large full moon would cause major earthquakes or disasters. A few fellow moonies "liked" the post or commented. But the next day--a lot more added their two cents.
March 11th. Regular morning routine, which means coffee and Matt Lauer in my bathrobe. But the minute the TV came on, I realized it wasn't a regular morning for the rest of the world. Images of the massive earthquake and tsunami from Japan had me frozen in front of the tube for an hour. Such horrible devastation, destruction and loss--to a country and people I love and admire so much.
Six years ago, I took the trip of a lifetime--covering a story for National Geographic Channel in Japan. I loved everything about it. (except the really, scary long flight there and back!) I loved the food, the history, the neon signs (Good Coffee Smile!) but mostly I cherished--the people. And one in particular--our guide and translator--Kunio.
Kunio was an older gentleman who made the crazy-busy work trip, memorable. He always took the time to point things out and describe their historical or spiritual significance. Even if we were just walking from one location to the next. "Lynn, this is a cedar ball--hang outside when fresh sake being brewed!" Then he would laugh his special Kunio laugh. He loved to joke about his wife. When we went to shoot at Osaka castle, he told me how his last name meant "gatekeeper" - and that's what his family did centuries ago at castles like this one. I felt bad when I went to tell him we were ready to leave and walked into his hotel room with my shoes on. (a no-no in Japan) He made sure we stopped to pay respects and pray at a streetside shrine downtown.
He was my voice during every interview and helped me understand what they would say in response to my questions. Kunio and our raucous Scottish Japanese-speaking grip Jeff, who dressed like the last samurai--will always be happy memories of an amazing trip. I have always hoped to go back and see Kyoto with Kunio!
After an hour of watching the news from Northern Japan, I had to leave for work. Saddened by the pictures of people searching for loved ones, I thought about our trip and the kindness and strength of the Japanese people. I grabbed for my keys as I opened the door and noticed something fell to my feet. I looked down and saw the little red key chain our guides gave me when I boarded the plane to leave Japan. It had been on my car keys since I fastened it on the plane ride home, six years ago. And it broke and fell off--TODAY.
The key chain has a picture of a frog--which Jeff said in Japan is very popular because "the frog never leaps backwards, only forwards." It became my new favorite animal, because of that. When I asked about the Japanese writing on the back--Kunio said "It says home. As you travel from my home to yours. Remember us." That morning I did. And I couldn't help but feel some strange cosmic connection--the coincidence was too strong. I'm sure they were both okay--but I believe I did tap into that global wave of grief, so powerful--we could feel it even here--and maybe that broke my precious keepsake? I put that little frog in my pocket and touched it with my fingers all day--as I watched more images from Japan.
Oh. And that supermoon comment the night before? I don't want to say I had anything to do with what transpired the next morning...but next time--I'll be a little more cautious in choosing my words on Facebook. "Bring it" may have been just a little too strong. I know all these things were just strange timing--odd coincidences--but Jung always believed there are no coincidences. Things happen for a reason.
Today I believe that. And the reason here, is to share my thoughts and prayers for sweet Kunio, Jeff, their friends and family--and all the lovely people in that beautiful country. We have much to learn from how they face this tragedy with courage, faith and kindness.
