Journey of Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving—a favorite American holiday that includes everyone—reminds us to take time to give gratitude and to give. Though Thanksgiving has come and gone, the base of gratitude and the reminder to give in whatever way and fashion builds a foundation that endures and can outlast political, social and even climatic turmoil.
In this space and in this holiday season, I hope readers will share stories and thoughts on this theme. Gratitude and giving are the beginning and end of a redemptive journey.
A few weeks back, I visited the city of Hiroshima. I expected it might be a downer. I was wrong. Yes, the Peace Museum provides many reminders of the horrors of war, and volunteers give visitors their firsthand memories. But the message from this bustling and totally modern city is one of regeneration. My hotel overlooked the scene of the atomic bomb’s devastation, which today is the beautiful wooded Peace Park, nestled along a river and surrounded by sleek high rises. We wondered if there was lingering resentment. No, said the daughter of a survivor. “We are against war,” not against people. She added that the people of Hiroshima remember with gratitude how many Americans came to their aid in the recovery.
Thank you, Julia. What a beautiful example of life reaffirming.
Thank you, Joanne. And thanks also to you, Julia, for, “We are against war, not against people.” That struck such a chord.
Dear Joanne and Julia,
At this peaceful time, comment for the Hiroshima-Nagasaki Peace Memorial museums gave me strong impact.
Actually, I am organizing Hiroshima-Nagasaki A-bomb exhibition next year, one at the comtemporary national museum
in Slovenia for a couple of month from late March and followed by Croatia after May.
Wishing all of you enjoy this festive season and Happy New Year.
Hori
I am a great fan of the thoughts Joanne shares with us. And now I get to know of Hori’s oncoming exhibition. Please keep us informed!
with PEN-greetings
Terry
Thank you, Terry. Good to hear from you! And thank everyone for your stories and comments!
Hori—I’m glad to know of your project. Happy new year to you!
I am happy/great-full I got to see Elliot at his last book review in Dallas.
I’m so grateful for the opportunity to have just visited Antarctica, the coldest place on earth, and Death Valley, the hottest place on earth, within one week of each other! Apart from being a mind-blowing juxtaposition, both landscapes were so peaceful, serene and awe-inspiring — a welcome counterpoint to the political and social turmoil that dominates the headlines. The beauty of nature — even at the extremes — is a powerful reminder of the presence of the divine.
What remarkable journeys and reminders as you say to expand our field of vision and attention.