Thinking of Cherry Blossoms

You may have noticed the change in the scenery. Japan is on my mind and Cherry Blossoms are blooming early here. The Cherry Blossom is a short-lived flower. As such, it symbolizes the ephemeral nature of life. It blooms, it wilts, it falls to the ground. On one hand, this seems tragic. But it is also what makes it special. We appreciate it more because we know how fragile and fleeting it is. The events in Japan have had the same effect on me. I have never hugged my children tighter.They say Japan moved eight feet nearer to the United States, but I think the shift was greater than that. The disaster has brought the world closer. Our shores may not have been hit by the waves, but our hearts are flooded with compassion.Cherry blossoms bloom, wilt, and fall to the ground. Then it blooms again.With our help, so will Japan.