In a Moment
Before March 11, 2013 comes to a close in Japan in a few moments, I wanted to post a quick message. I spent today — the second anniversary of the great earthquake and tsunami that struck the northeast coast of Japan — at work completing my normal duties.
But I was followed by a dark shadow, remembering the thousands of lives lost in a single moment, and the many thousands more still coping with pain, disaster and loneliness.
I’ve probably posted this before, but I’m once again reminded of a column the great Chicago journalist Mike Royko wrote after the sudden death of his wife Carol. Normally boisterous and unapologetic, Royko wrote so tenderly of sudden loss and death this time.
“I could go on, but it’s too personal. And I’m afraid that it hurts. Simply put, she was the best person I ever knew. And while the phrase “his better half” is a cliche, with us it was a truth.
Anyway, I’ll be back. And soon, I hope, because I miss you, too, my friends.
In the meantime, do her and me a favor. If there’s someone you love but haven’t said so in a while, say it now. Always, always, say it now.”
Sheila Burt 