Tsunami-hit elementary school in Miyagi to close in March

I went there 6 months after the tsunami it was a big shock for me to see.

I still believe children shouldn't be living there

When I was born, we lived in Ishinomaki and we lived there until I was 2. Visited the area many times in the years that followed and had driven by this elementary school in 2010 on a visit to see friends of my parents.

My parents lost dear friends in the tsunami and the town that I loved and experienced as a child is forever changed.

And yet the memories are the source of fresh starts. For those connected to this school, for those that lost family and friends, and for the town and region as a whole.

@zones. I would love to meet your parents and give them a hug. The reason I've been to Fukushima a few times is because when you watch it on TV you can accept it as a reality it is just some flashing images but when you go there and you see what really happened then you have to cry

I just passed by the elementary school my kids attended so many years ago and heard them practicing the song they use at every graduation (including those of my own two pups). I paused to thank a teacher who wasn't there during my kids' time. She appreciated my thanks as much as I appreciated her work. Fortunately, the school is well-attended due to rural depopulation drawing kids into town, but it is sad to consider the last time that song is sung in so many areas.

@Goodlucktoyou,

Thank you for that. My father passed before the event, so he never actually experienced the loss. My mother, on the other hand, did. Many of their friends that were lost were elderly. The neighborhood we lived in is gone.

And yet my mother reminds me of those in Japan picking up the pieces after WW2, entire cities and families devastated. So much personal loss, for things well beyond their control. And, yet, they found the inner strength to get on with life.

My mom loved the Amachan TV show. Tragedies should be remembered and honored, but rebirths need to be encouraged and treasured.

wife's family is from Ishinomaki, their home demolished, mother died in tsunami, father was MIA over a month, eventually found in a school shelter, later died of a broken heart RIP.

macv-I'm really sorry to hear that. I hope your wife will find the strength to move on with the help of her great husband. With you and your family in spirit always.

wife's family is from Ishinomaki, their home demolished, mother died in tsunami, father was MIA over a month, eventually found in a school shelter, later died of a broken heart RIP.

Feel for your wife, my ex-wife lost her Auntie in the tsunami, and I lost 2 friends and 1 client .... that day will live with us forever.