Japan, You Have My Heart

Japanese for "hope"  (source)

Like the rest of you, my mind and heart have been in Japan for the past few days.  I was working late when I got the news (via Twitter) of the earthquake and tsunami that devastated this beautiful country and its inhabitants.

My first thought went to my friend, Sanae, who lives in Tokyo.  I met Sanae several years ago through my fiance's band.  She's a huge fan and visits the U.S. to see them play at least once a year.  She's also one of the kindest, most positive people I've even known.

Sanae (center) teaching Heidi (left) and me (right) how to make
the rock sign, the right way.  New York City, April 2009.

I emailed her and she responded almost immediately, stating that she had internet but no cell service and couldn't reach her family.  All of the public transportation was shut down, people were confused and panicking, and she had to walk 25 km (a little over 15 miles) home.  I didn't sleep at all that night, worried for her, as well as for a dear friend and my step-niece in Hawaii.  It took Sanae 8 hours to walk home because of the massive crowd of people trying to do the same. She was finally able to reach her family from a payphone, and they were safe. Unfortunately, not everyone else could say the same.

I've experienced three earthquakes, all here in Chicago.  Last February, I awoke in the middle of the night to my bed shaking and watched three books fall of the bookshelf.  Robbie was on the road and it was terrifying (for Bubby too!), because I had no idea what was going on.  That earthquake was a 3.8 on the Richter scale.  Japan's was an 8.9.  Looking at pictures of the destruction makes my heart ache.

Tsunami in Kanagawa.  Katsushita Hokusai, 1830.

I wish more than anything that I was able to go to Japan and help with the relief efforts.  Since I can't, I'm working on a design for an art print for which proceeds will be donated to the Red Cross's Japan Earthquake and Tsunami fund. I'm also working on another piece that will raise funds for one of the organizations helping with rescuing animals that have been affected. I'll post as soon as they're available at Bubby & Bean Art and Mountains of the Moon.

In the meantime, here is a list (below) of various organizations who are accepting donations to help in their efforts to provide relief for those affected (humans and animals) by this disaster.

Love and Gratitude,
melissa

Red Cross

Global Giving

Doctors Without Borders

International Medical Corps

AmeriCares

Save the Children

Convoy of Hope

ShelterBox
Animal Refuge Kansai

Japan Earthquake Animal Relief
American Humane Association

World Vets

World Society for the Protection of Animals

Search Dog Foundation

Best Friends Animal Society