Just like all of you, I have watched the crisis in Japan unfold, and each time the number of dead or missing rises, I shudder at the mere thought of the tragedy. And just like all of you, I had a terrible pang of grief, disbelief, anger, sickness, and sadness when I learned that Taylor Anderson’s body was found amidst Japan’s turmoil and disaster.
Devastated does not begin to describe the feelings of all who have followed the story of Taylor, a 24-year-old teacher from Chesterfield. Taylor had followed a life-long love of Japanese culture and moved to Japan in August 2008 to teach and help the children there. She was last seen riding her bicycle away from the school where she taught, and had helped children return home to safety after the earthquake, but before the huge tsunami hit.
She is the first known American victim of the March 11, 2011 earthquake and tsunami.
Taylor’s family has a challenging and rough road to follow from here. They ask for continued prayers and support as they continue through this crisis and bring their beloved daughter and sibling home to Virginia.
Senator Mark R. Warner of Virginia vows to do everything possible to assist the Japanese authorities, our State Department and the U.S. Military to bring Taylor back home. Until then, her family must endure more hours of waiting. I cannot imagine the pain and torture they have already endured, and now to spend these next days working to bring their child home for burial must be almost unbearable.
We go about our daily lives with soccer, basketball, gymnastics, birthday celebrations, family outings, festivals, caregiving, and many other events. But as we do, we all have a heavy heart for the tremendous loss of this precious life, and the loss of thousands more. Our hearts are filled with sympathy and pain for the families of the Japan tsunami and earthquake victims, and the tragedies they have endured.
Our world is thousands of miles from Japan, yet we do not go untouched by the pain and grief. We are all forever changed as a result of what is occurring around the world, and the finality of hearing that one of our own is among the lost in Japan makes us all stop and think.
Think about what and who is important to you today — think about what and who matters in life — think about what and who truly brings you happiness. And then, be sure and let them know. We are not promised tomorrow so let us live for today.
From Richmondmom.com readers and staff, our hearts and prayers go out to Taylor’s family.
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