Choose

She has faced much. And she admitted that these five months of difficulty after the disaster have brought her to the point of considering suicide. She is under medical supervision. 

The question boiled down to whether or not she believes that new, good things could be on their way. Whether things can get better, or whether she's alone with no way out. 

She's looking for a home, and has nothing to put into it. Filling her car with bedding and appliances doesn't solve the entire question of choosing life or death. But it's a start. Listening and hearing will go a long way. 

Ultimately, the choice is hers to make. She was starting to smile a little before she left. Life will win if she lets it. She says she'll be back. That would be a joyful thing. 

Five months since March 11. There were fireworks tonight, partly as the standard celebration of summer, and partly in memory of those who lost their lives in the disaster. Life and death, side by side. 

Many places in the disaster zone haven't been cleaned up yet. Rebuilding has hardly had a chance to start. The Prime Minister of Japan is preparing to step down. Much is at stake as the government changes. 

It's not always just a matter of watching Life win. There's a choice to make, for all of us. 

"I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life." (Deuteronomy 30:19)

Just after 3AM, August 12. Another aftershock, intensity 5. Another reminder that there's still much to do.