An emotional kindergarten graduation ceremony took place in Rikuzentakata City, Iwate Prefecture, on Sunday, in a makeshift shelter. Takata Junior High School became the venue for the graduation ceremony at which 39 graduation certificates were handed to children from the tsunami-ravaged region.
Out of the class of 53, three have been reported dead and three missing. Audible sobs filled the room as the mother of two of the missing girls collected graduation certificates on behalf of her missing daughters. The kindergarten principal addressed the class, saying tearfully, "Let's work hard for those who were lost in the disaster. We will meet them again someday."
© Compiled from news reports
29 Comments
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mrskit
heartbreaking,......
nath
I applaud the mother's courage. If I were in her shoes, I would be too crestfallen to function.
forinagai
Words somehow don't seem enough to express one's feelings here...
WilliB
so sad
Zenny11
Agree, very sad.
LoveUSA
So sad and devastating. Bad news never seem to stop...it is beyond tragic.
Nicky Washida
I have just come back from my sons kindergarten entrance ceremony to see this news. This mother has shown incredible courage and strength just to be able to go there, mever mind accept the certificates.
There are no words to say how much I feel for her and everyone who lost loved ones in this tragedy.
Kaptankichigai
God bless her. I dont think I could go on. The unbelievable amount of strength it must take her to get out of bed everyday and then to stand and accept these certificates is beyond my reckoning. Simply heartbreaking.
porter
So sad. That is a brave mom.
Jkanda
Goodness, how cruel the life seems at times. Wish I was there to give her a hug.
BurakuminDes
She is a very strong woman, I hope she can stay strong. I am still concerned about the 80 plus orphans from this tragedy. If they have no relatives, what will happen to them? Let's just hope they dont end up in an orphanage.
borscht
I would probably still be sobbing in bed if my child was swept away like that. A brave woman indeed.
hapagirl
God bless this mother and the souls of her children. No parent should ever have to experience this. This is sad beyond words.
taijing
I praise the mother's courage. Her lost may never be compensated, but her example as a strong person is very positive to others.
im_a_panda_yo
Really sad to see this kind of thing. and feel so bad for the mother. She must be so upset :( It is a good gesture what she did..
Things like this make me hope that the people don't return to the danger areas of coastal Japan and stay inland. Even if it impracticle the areas should not be inhabited!
rockbuster
If you look in the dictionary under 'courage', the chances are you'll find a picture of that mum. Must have taken phenomenal strength of character to do what she did.
the_sheriff
I applaud this lady. She truly is a courageous soul.
But it's these kind of stories that make me really dislike the phrase がんばれ東北! It sounds way too flippant for people like this mother who have experienced so much tragedy.
IfeelImust
Tears fill my eyes, god bless her for her courage.
herefornow
rockbuster -- well said. I hope she finds some consolation in having received the certificates. Her grief must be overwhelming.
TSRnow
I agree with all of the above and also feel for the children who survived this tragedy to hear of the fate of their friends. I hope they can live on strong as this mother has shown.
mukai
As a parent I do not think I could have mustered the strength this brave lady did. I would have been a wailing heap on the floor. God be with you brave lady. My heart and prayers are with you.
Bogi
There is NO WAY I could do that. She's really brave.
Laguna
She knows how important this would have been for her little ones, I suppose. She is an inspiration to us all.
Elbuda Mexicano
This is so sad! I just had my little girl's kindergarten entrance ceremony today, and I am so happy for my children, but it brings tears to my eyes to even think of all of these dead children in Tohoku etc..RIP
ExportExpert
Terrible for this poor woman and many others to have to endure the grief that she must be going through.
My heart goes out to all who have lost loved ones in this dreadful tradgedy, especially those who lost children, it surely must be terribly heart breaking and I cannot even begin to imagine how she must feel.
Patricia Yarrow
Speechless and humbled by her courage. Tears, for sure.
rajeshharidas
She is a very courageous woman, like most Japanese. This is a country that survived Atom Bombs. I salute them. Th rest of the world take note...learn...prepare....live and let live..disasters like this may be just around the corner for us.
Gloobey
Very occasionally in life, words are useless. Any meaning they might have is lost. This is one such occasion...
Fadamor
Damn. I'm not there, I didn't lose anyone there, and I don't know this woman, yet I'm wiping away tears and my co-workers are giving me strange looks. 51-year-old men DON'T cry for strangers. She's stronger than me.