Hi everyone! Let me first tell you how much I feel loved and overwhelmed by your kindness and support through this experience. Thank you so much for your comments & emails. I am sorry that I can't return emails to all of you, but they all touched my heart and strengthened me through this difficult time.
Also I want to say thank you to all my friends, neighbors and family for being there for me and my family in so many different ways.
I have news! Good news!
I just got off the phone with my sister!!!
I heard the land line in that area was totally dead, if not, spotty at best. I kept calling desperately throughout the day. Wishing this time someone might answer... it didn't happen.
Tonight, while I was upstairs my husband called her house again (I had no idea he was doing that for me). And, it went through... the phone started to ring.
He said he heard a voice on the other end "Hello? Hello?" That's when I heard him screaming coming up stairs "Sachiko! Sachiko! Your sister is on the phone!!!"
I couldn't believe it. I took the phone and said "hello?!” Then I heard a familiar voice... "Sachiko?"
There were so much I wanted to say or ask but I started crying so hard and I wasn't making any sound that she could understand. We were so excited to talk to each other, but also afraid that the phone might cut off at any minute. We were talking so fast and furiously.
She told me that after the quake, she wasn't able to use her phone at all. Every now and then it made some noise (I think that was when we were trying to call) and when she pick up nothing happened. Tonight, the ring was different. She picked it up and the call went through. I believe in prayers, I believe in prayers couple with fasting. I am thankful to so many of you who prayed for us. I feel like I just witnessed a miracle. I can't tell you how happy I am right now!
She told me that her house is damaged a little bit here and there, but so far it's standing and seems to be ok. Although, there is no running water, electricity, no phone, none of that. She is thinking that when their food runs out, they are probably going to an evacuation center, because they can't buy food anywhere. With two little children, that must be hard. I wish I could just send stuff to her overnight.
Funny thing is, she doesn't know much about what's happening in her prefecture. She said, she gets to listen to the radio every now and then, but it’s so spotty, she can't get much the information. I know more about what's going on than she does. I told her what I have been seeing in the news. The area we used to drive around is under water, our friends homes are washed away, so many lives lost. She believed me, but still it didn't click to her. I don't know if I am making any sense, but without seeing it; it is hard to believe that much devastation.
I am so happy that my family is alive and ok, but there are so many people suffering in Japan. Please keep them in your prayers.
Through this experience, I learned a couple things. We need to show and tell people in our lives how much we love them and appreciate them whenever we get the chance to. You never know, that might be the last time you get to do so. There is no time to waste in fighting and holding grudges. Unexpected things happen and when we want to show love, it might be too late.
Another thing is, I need to be prepared. Our church advises us to have food storage (and some other items too). We have some but not nearly enough to sustain us through months at a time. Listening to my sister talk about food and how people would fight over toilet paper made me think even more about how much being prepared is very important.
Again, thank you all for being such a great support. I feel so blessed to have this community in blog-o- sphere, you guys are such nice, caring friends. Thank you!
I usually post link love today, but after the quake, I just couldn't do it all. I will post link love next week.
This week, I am off to bed. :) I can finally rest.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Friday, March 11, 2011
Earthquake
My heart is breaking.
As many of you know, an 8.9 earthquake hit Japan yesterday. One of the prefectures (states) that got hit hard and have a devastating number of death and missing people is Miyagi. That's where I am from.
I found out that my parents and one of my sisters is ok, but they can't contact my other sister and her family.
The phone is not working, and the only thing I can do is stare at the TV showing the horrible images. The road I drove with my friends by the sea is completely under the water, and some of my friends’ homes have been washed away.
I am keeping myself busy taking care of my kids and waiting, wishing to hear from my family that my sister is ok. My sister and I are very close.
Those of you, who called visited and emailed me, thank you so much. I am deeply touched by your kindness and support.
Many of you asked me if you could do anything...
Will you pray for us and for the people in Japan who are affected by this?
Thank you again for your kind words.
Love
Sachiko
As many of you know, an 8.9 earthquake hit Japan yesterday. One of the prefectures (states) that got hit hard and have a devastating number of death and missing people is Miyagi. That's where I am from.
I found out that my parents and one of my sisters is ok, but they can't contact my other sister and her family.
The phone is not working, and the only thing I can do is stare at the TV showing the horrible images. The road I drove with my friends by the sea is completely under the water, and some of my friends’ homes have been washed away.
I am keeping myself busy taking care of my kids and waiting, wishing to hear from my family that my sister is ok. My sister and I are very close.
Those of you, who called visited and emailed me, thank you so much. I am deeply touched by your kindness and support.
Many of you asked me if you could do anything...
Will you pray for us and for the people in Japan who are affected by this?
Thank you again for your kind words.
Love
Sachiko
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Link Party No. 45
One of my favorite things to do is go on a lunch date with my husband. We went to a Thai restaurant, it was very good. Then, just like any other Asian type of restaurant, they gave us fortune cookies.
Here is the one I got...
Wow, really? That would be super fun if what's on the paper is true. But, wait a minute that means I am not working hard enough as is?! I thought I was, but I guess not... :)
I wonder if the fortune cookie knows something I don't. (I know it's silly, but my anticipation is humongous right now!)
Anyhow, it is time for the link party, share your creative juice with us everyone!
1. Please post something YOU made. It doesn't matter if it is crochet, quilt, clothing, anything would be fine. I want to see it! If you use someone's idea or patterns please give them the rightful credit.
2. Link to your specific post, that way it is easier for everybody to find and read it.
3. Please grab the "Tea Rose Home" grab button, and link back from your post. If you can mention the party in your post or place the button on your side bar, that would be great! I want more people to have a chance to come and show off their creation.
Thank you for your participation, and making this link party successful and fun!
Here is the one I got...
Wow, really? That would be super fun if what's on the paper is true. But, wait a minute that means I am not working hard enough as is?! I thought I was, but I guess not... :)
I wonder if the fortune cookie knows something I don't. (I know it's silly, but my anticipation is humongous right now!)
Anyhow, it is time for the link party, share your creative juice with us everyone!
1. Please post something YOU made. It doesn't matter if it is crochet, quilt, clothing, anything would be fine. I want to see it! If you use someone's idea or patterns please give them the rightful credit.
2. Link to your specific post, that way it is easier for everybody to find and read it.
3. Please grab the "Tea Rose Home" grab button, and link back from your post. If you can mention the party in your post or place the button on your side bar, that would be great! I want more people to have a chance to come and show off their creation.
Thank you for your participation, and making this link party successful and fun!
Monday, March 7, 2011
Bird Necklace & Earrings
When I found these parts it was like love at first sight. I LOVED them. I love how they are dainty and detailed. I could not decide which ones to buy (they were a little bit pricey compared to other parts), and after several minutes, I finally decided and came home.
You might be wondering why I call this, Bird Necklace. I want you to take a closer look at the necklace...
Yes, the bird. I love this bird charm and I kept thinking about how I could incorporate this bird into the design. I think I like this in the center like this so far (I might change my mind later though).
Here are the earrings I made to go with the necklace.
I know I will enjoy them for a quite a while.
So far I shared three jewelry posts that I did while my sewing machine was in the shop. I actually have one more to show you... but I am going to be featured somewhere with the last necklace, that's all I can say for now (I seriously don't know exactly when). I will let you know as soon as I find out. :)
Now, I should think about what I can do with my newly maintained sewing machine. It will be fun!
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Link Love No 44!
If you missed the post I did for Once Upon a Thread at No Big Dill, please head over to see what I came up with "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" book. This fun event will continue until the end of this month.
This week's link party had 214 links! That was a lot of links to go through, but I really enjoyed them! Thank you for your participations!
Here are this week’s link love...
Sandy's Space shared a perpetual calendar. Her use and combinations of design and colors are impressive!
When I first saw the pictures of colorful balls, I thought, ok... I didn't know what to expect. Then, I saw the process and the finished cookies, I was so excited! I know I am going to do with my kids soon! Go visit Can't Stop Making Things to see what she did. :)
This unique Anthro inspired necklace is shared by yellow Black Bird. Her step by step tutorial is so easy to follow.
What color would you like to make?
I am not a big fan of St Patrick’s day as far as decorations and stuff, but this t-shirt shared by I Candy Handmade is just so cute!
My mom told me not to play with food growing up...but I think I am going to soon. Come on, ilene! shared conversation marshmallows with us, I think this is so fun and sweet.(literally...) I want to do this before the weather gets too warm.
Fun stuff aren't they? Thank you for your participation, have a nice Sunday!
This week's link party had 214 links! That was a lot of links to go through, but I really enjoyed them! Thank you for your participations!
Here are this week’s link love...
Sandy's Space shared a perpetual calendar. Her use and combinations of design and colors are impressive!
When I first saw the pictures of colorful balls, I thought, ok... I didn't know what to expect. Then, I saw the process and the finished cookies, I was so excited! I know I am going to do with my kids soon! Go visit Can't Stop Making Things to see what she did. :)
This unique Anthro inspired necklace is shared by yellow Black Bird. Her step by step tutorial is so easy to follow.
What color would you like to make?
I am not a big fan of St Patrick’s day as far as decorations and stuff, but this t-shirt shared by I Candy Handmade is just so cute!
My mom told me not to play with food growing up...but I think I am going to soon. Come on, ilene! shared conversation marshmallows with us, I think this is so fun and sweet.(literally...) I want to do this before the weather gets too warm.
Fun stuff aren't they? Thank you for your participation, have a nice Sunday!
Thursday, March 3, 2011
A letter to Michael ~ Thou Shall not be Easily Offended~
Note: If you are a new reader of my blog, or not a regular reader and don't know what I am going to talk about, read My Life So Far first. :)
Dear Michael,
Yesterday, when I was tucking you into bed, I asked you how you thought about my visit in your class. You were so excited that I was there, and that made me so happy. I also, jokingly asked you, "Hey, did your friends say, Oh Michael you are so lucky, your mom is so awesome and pretty?" (Really, I was joking by the way)
Instead of laughing, you shook your head sideways with a sad look on your face so I knew immediately there was something wrong.
I asked you "What's wrong?" and you hesitantly said "Well, some kids said, your mom is legless."(Now that I think of it, Legless isn't very original or unique; it's just stating a fact. Maybe they were just curious. Remember, they are only 8 years old, just like you.)
Wow, talk about a sting in your heart. Growing up I got bullied or teased about missing a limb or having a prosthetic limb, so I thought I was used to those comments, but I wasn't expecting to hear that at that moment. It totally caught me off guard. It stings... Ouch.
Then you said, "Don't worry, next time when someone says that about you, I will punch them and break their nose."
Your declaration totally melted my heart. You have been such a sweetheart from day 1. You always make me laugh, help me with things around the house and give me lots of hugs and kisses every day. You have a lion’s heart, strong, brave and always a defender of our family.
But Michael, I want you to remember what I told you last night. People say wrong things sometimes; whether it's either intentional, or not. If we had a different set of eyes most of us would be in a wheel chair, because our feet are constantly in our mouths.
You can't go around punching people whenever they say the wrong things and hurt your feelings.
I guess what I want to say is that, you can't control what comes out from their mouths, but you can control how you react to it. It is not easy, in fact, I struggle sometimes too.
One thing I know though, you can either get offended, hold grudges and live a miserable life or not to get offended so easily and move on. It is not easy at first, but the last one works much better for your own good.
Don't let hurtful words or situations define who you are or who you are becoming. When you know that you didn't do anything wrong and people are still mean to you, use them as a tool to become a better you.
I wish I could run, or go for a long walk with you but I can't. But one thing I am very hopeful is that my children might have a high chance of being kind and compassionate. Just remember how you felt when the boy said, "Your mom is legless". It didn't feel good did it? So, when you meet someone who is different or disabled, be kind to them and become a friend to them. It's just because you think you are healthier, smarter or in a grown-up case richer doesn't make you superior. What matter is what's in your heart.
One last thing...
I am not ashamed of my condition; in fact I look at health issues I have and think how can I deal with this and become a better person. Some days are harder than others, but I keep working on it. Ultimately, that's what we are here for, to learn and to grow spiritually.
So you shouldn't be ashamed of my leglessness either. (It's not in the dictionary, so don't even look it up). Keep your head up high and move on!
I know I have been blessed with many things, and you are one of my top rated blessings. I love you so so much Michael, and I hope you know that.
If a fairy appeared from somewhere and told me I can get a new leg, but in return I have to trade in one of my children, I would turn it down. That is something I am so sure about.
I realized it now, what that sting meant I felt in my heart when you told me about the comment. The sting wasn’t for me, it was for YOU. I felt sad, because I imagined how you must have felt when he said what he said.
Being a mom taught me many things over the years, but I realized something today. I am so blessed because I am surrounded by people that I care so much more about than myself.
Thank you Michael for letting me be your mom.
Love
Mom
Dear Michael,
Yesterday, when I was tucking you into bed, I asked you how you thought about my visit in your class. You were so excited that I was there, and that made me so happy. I also, jokingly asked you, "Hey, did your friends say, Oh Michael you are so lucky, your mom is so awesome and pretty?" (Really, I was joking by the way)
Instead of laughing, you shook your head sideways with a sad look on your face so I knew immediately there was something wrong.
I asked you "What's wrong?" and you hesitantly said "Well, some kids said, your mom is legless."(Now that I think of it, Legless isn't very original or unique; it's just stating a fact. Maybe they were just curious. Remember, they are only 8 years old, just like you.)
Wow, talk about a sting in your heart. Growing up I got bullied or teased about missing a limb or having a prosthetic limb, so I thought I was used to those comments, but I wasn't expecting to hear that at that moment. It totally caught me off guard. It stings... Ouch.
Then you said, "Don't worry, next time when someone says that about you, I will punch them and break their nose."
Your declaration totally melted my heart. You have been such a sweetheart from day 1. You always make me laugh, help me with things around the house and give me lots of hugs and kisses every day. You have a lion’s heart, strong, brave and always a defender of our family.
But Michael, I want you to remember what I told you last night. People say wrong things sometimes; whether it's either intentional, or not. If we had a different set of eyes most of us would be in a wheel chair, because our feet are constantly in our mouths.
You can't go around punching people whenever they say the wrong things and hurt your feelings.
I guess what I want to say is that, you can't control what comes out from their mouths, but you can control how you react to it. It is not easy, in fact, I struggle sometimes too.
One thing I know though, you can either get offended, hold grudges and live a miserable life or not to get offended so easily and move on. It is not easy at first, but the last one works much better for your own good.
Don't let hurtful words or situations define who you are or who you are becoming. When you know that you didn't do anything wrong and people are still mean to you, use them as a tool to become a better you.
I wish I could run, or go for a long walk with you but I can't. But one thing I am very hopeful is that my children might have a high chance of being kind and compassionate. Just remember how you felt when the boy said, "Your mom is legless". It didn't feel good did it? So, when you meet someone who is different or disabled, be kind to them and become a friend to them. It's just because you think you are healthier, smarter or in a grown-up case richer doesn't make you superior. What matter is what's in your heart.
One last thing...
I am not ashamed of my condition; in fact I look at health issues I have and think how can I deal with this and become a better person. Some days are harder than others, but I keep working on it. Ultimately, that's what we are here for, to learn and to grow spiritually.
So you shouldn't be ashamed of my leglessness either. (It's not in the dictionary, so don't even look it up). Keep your head up high and move on!
I know I have been blessed with many things, and you are one of my top rated blessings. I love you so so much Michael, and I hope you know that.
If a fairy appeared from somewhere and told me I can get a new leg, but in return I have to trade in one of my children, I would turn it down. That is something I am so sure about.
I realized it now, what that sting meant I felt in my heart when you told me about the comment. The sting wasn’t for me, it was for YOU. I felt sad, because I imagined how you must have felt when he said what he said.
Being a mom taught me many things over the years, but I realized something today. I am so blessed because I am surrounded by people that I care so much more about than myself.
Thank you Michael for letting me be your mom.
Love
Mom
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Link Party No. 44
This is a little shout out, tomorrow March 3rd is when my post for Once upon a Thread will go up at No Big Dill.
Please make sure to head over and see what I came up with and leave little love notes for me! I really enjoyed this theme and the process of making the stuff. It was sort of homework... only it was the kind of homework that I like. :)
Meanwhile, another shout out to my friends and family... we changed our internet and phone provider a few days ago. When they came out and wired the house something happened, our home phone doesn't work right now. You can call my cell, if you don't have my cell? Mmmm... too bad, I am not about to post my cell phone number on my blog! We realized yesterday, "hey, we haven't received phone calls", then we tried to call out but couldn't. I don't know when it's going to get fixed, but I just want to let you guys know that we are Ok. We are still alive and well, don't worry!
Ok, that was a little personal; let's get back to some fun! You know the routine, show us what's up your sleeve!
1. Please post something YOU made. It doesn't matter if it is crochet, quilt, clothing, anything would be fine. I want to see it! If you use someone's idea or patterns please give them the rightful credit.
2. Link to your specific post, that way it is easier for everybody to find and read it.
3. Please grab the "Tea Rose Home" grab button, and link back from your post. If you can mention the party in your post or place the button on your side bar, that would be great! I want more people to have a chance to come and show off their creation.
Thank you for your participation, and making this link party successful and fun!
Please make sure to head over and see what I came up with and leave little love notes for me! I really enjoyed this theme and the process of making the stuff. It was sort of homework... only it was the kind of homework that I like. :)
Meanwhile, another shout out to my friends and family... we changed our internet and phone provider a few days ago. When they came out and wired the house something happened, our home phone doesn't work right now. You can call my cell, if you don't have my cell? Mmmm... too bad, I am not about to post my cell phone number on my blog! We realized yesterday, "hey, we haven't received phone calls", then we tried to call out but couldn't. I don't know when it's going to get fixed, but I just want to let you guys know that we are Ok. We are still alive and well, don't worry!
Ok, that was a little personal; let's get back to some fun! You know the routine, show us what's up your sleeve!
1. Please post something YOU made. It doesn't matter if it is crochet, quilt, clothing, anything would be fine. I want to see it! If you use someone's idea or patterns please give them the rightful credit.
2. Link to your specific post, that way it is easier for everybody to find and read it.
3. Please grab the "Tea Rose Home" grab button, and link back from your post. If you can mention the party in your post or place the button on your side bar, that would be great! I want more people to have a chance to come and show off their creation.
Thank you for your participation, and making this link party successful and fun!
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