This week has been rough, with car accidents (thankfully minor), falls (literally and figuratively) and a couple of near misses. So it seemed tragically appropriate that it should end with an earthquake – if only to fully jolt me into the understanding of what’s truly important in life. Universe, I got the message.

We confirmed this morning that my mother-in-law and other family in Yokohama and southern part of Japan are all safe. We suspected they were but it’s always nice to have confirmation (bless you modern technology).

The earthquake hit the prefecture and town where I lived for a year and where I met my husband. So, of course I’m thinking about the many teachers and students (all grown up now of course) who have been affected by this tragedy and sending them strength and courage as they deal with what this all means and pull the pieces back together.