From my Brother-in-Law in Japan

I am a Canadian and 25 year resident of Japan.  My Father and
Mother-in-Law are both Japanese who live in the Shiogama Sendai Japan
one of the areas terribly devastated by the Earth Quake and Tsunami.
 I thought I would share an inspiring  story about two very brave
elderly people who happen to be my father and mother-in-law Tetsuro
and Yo.

Tetsuro, 78, is a retired coast guard Lighthouse Keeper who spent most
of his life living on the sea.   His love of the sea and his respect
for the sea influenced his decision to build a home on a hill in
Shiogama  Miyagi Prefecture, where he lives with his cherished wife
Yo.   Life was bliss until the Quake hit and then the Tsunami.

The Quake hit and we called right away while the cell phones were
still working! “Don’t worry, our house was violently shaken! We fear
for the others around us. Let’s not plug up the phones. Don’t worry we
will be fine. “  Then they hung up.

The Tsunami hit their area hard and as we watched from hundreds of
kilometers away  on TV, we could see the death and destruction in
their neighborhood.  We feared greatly for their life.  Even if they
survived the Tsunami they were elderly, and Yo was diabetic.  We were
frantic to get word of their safety.   We were monitoring the local
news and CNN as they showed the devastation in their neighbourhood.

“Hiroko, John, can’t talk long, there is a long line of people waiting
to call. We are safe, don’t worry about us we will survive.  You know
Grandpa he was a lighthouse keeper he can survive any storm.  Try and
get word on my sister, and cousins, from what we can see their homes
have been washed away!  The Tsunami came up to the Kindergarten just
below us. Oh, the children! Tell them and anyone there is refuge at
our home on top of the hill.”

“How are you? Do you have food?  Do you have medicine?”

“We are fine.  There are others much worst! There is always enough to
share!”  Then they hung up.

A week has passed and we finally got word again.  From Testuro and Yo!
 We offered to get them and bring them to our home.

“The roads are starting to open up and people are starting to get in.
We have filled our car with supplies and are on our way!”

“We are fine. Don’t plug the roads up coming in.  There are so many
people so much worst off.  Keep the roads open to evacuate them.  Give
your supplies to other people. We will keep our little house on the
hill open with a candle in the window.  You know Grandpa, he won’t
leave our little lighthouse and  beacon of hope until the last person
is out. Don’t worry about us there are many worst off.”

“There is fear of a nuclear meltdown!   Can’t we come and get you?”

“If that happens they need to get the young people out. We will fine.
When things are safe we will find our own way out!  Help your family
and others in need. Tell them that Grandpa and Grandma are fine.  We
love them.” Then they hung up.

It is the 8th day after the Earth Quake,  though it is very difficult,
we are honoring their wishes, and trying to find missing family and
helping others first.

We worry  greatly, but we are also proud of Testuro and Yo and their
little lighthouse on the hill.  We are also so proud that so many of
the Japanese are so selfless and brave.  We are awed by the love and
kindness of so many, little lighthouses and their keepers who are not
escaping but staying to help,  “The many who are worst off!”

To Testuro and Yo, and all the others like them who are a beacons of
hope on the hill we are proud and love you.

John and Hiroko Gathright