Japan and New Orleans

Dear Imaginary Friends,

I shudder with memories of Hurricane Katrina, while watching footage of the devastation left by the tsunami and earthquake this week in Japan.

There are so many parallels.

My father-in-law was missing for 3 days from his nursing home in the aftermath of Katrina. We were worried sick.

People rendered homeless, without safe food and water, separated from loved ones are familiar images from 2005. We are a highly industrialized nation, but where was the US government, in aiding its citizens? Things were handled so badly.

Even though it looks like Japan has done everything right, look at all the casualties. Despite their sophisticated warning system, they only had about 15 seconds to react before the waves and shuddering ensued. How much can anyone do in 15 seconds?

And now they face radiation sickness. I don't think their surgical masks are going to help in this instance.

One thing to remember is that nature is so much stronger than our relatively little bodies. And that water always wins.

This serves as a handy wake up call to all of us, to examine our lives and to infuse them with meaning. Make your life count for something. And live it large.

Your Imaginary Friend,

Patsie