It's been a long, surreal, roller-coaster-ride of a week here, culminating in Molly's arrival at O'Hare this morning. We're so happy to have her home for the week, or until things at least stabilize a bit and the situation in Tokyo becomes more clear. Her departure was somewhat frantic...a decision made during the workday as government advisories changed, a flight booked, a quick trip home to throw some things into a suitcase and then, off to the airport. As we drove to the library this afternoon, she laughed and said, "The last time I slept in a bed, I got up and went to work.' Surreal doesn't even begin to describe it.
Tokyo newspaper, earthquake headlines.
When she opened her suitcase, I had to laugh a little. She brought very few clothes, but grabbed everything she felt she couldn't replace if something worse happened there in her absence. Several photos albums, her current handwork projects and the quilt I made for her during her first year in Japan...her mother's daughter, I guess.
I want to thank you all for the comments, emails and messages that you have sent, expressing your concern and good wishes. We appreciate each kind expression and hope that you will accept my gratitude here. It has been a fulltime job this week responding to family inquiries and staying on top of fast moving changes. We're exhausted, in every way, and hope to relax and unwind this week, mindful that so many in Japan cannot enjoy that luxury.
In spare quiet moments, I've been back at this project again. Twenty-nine blocks completed and many stacks of black print hexes, all prepared for the paths. With luck, next post might actually be about quilts again!
It must be such a relief to have her home.
Posted by: Carole | March 18, 2011 at 07:09 PM
One word -
Phew.
Posted by: wendy | March 18, 2011 at 07:33 PM
I'm glad she's home with you.
Truly.
Posted by: blackbird | March 18, 2011 at 07:36 PM
Enjoy !!
Posted by: Yelena | March 18, 2011 at 07:57 PM
I am happy to hear that Molly is home safe.
Carmel
Posted by: Carmel | March 18, 2011 at 08:04 PM
Your daughter is wise: treasures are irreplaceable. Enjoy your time together.
Posted by: Nancy | March 18, 2011 at 08:15 PM
I've been worried! Thanks for letting us know she's home safe. I'm sure it wasn't an easy decision for her.
Posted by: Janine | March 18, 2011 at 08:50 PM
glad she's there with you. relax and enjoy your time together. try not to watch the news!!!
Posted by: Tonya Ricucci | March 18, 2011 at 09:18 PM
Glad to hear it. I've been anxious for news even though I know you have many other things to take care of. I hope you have a lovely week together!
Posted by: Kristin | March 18, 2011 at 10:01 PM
I am glad that your daughter is back by your side again. We moved away from Tokyo not that long ago & we will never forget our years there. Many Japanese friends have left sadly as they are married to foreigners. They depart with one family & leave their Japanese family members behind. It breaks my heart when we get another emails of friends in that situation. Warm wishes from Dubai.
Posted by: Xue | March 18, 2011 at 10:18 PM
So glad to hear that Molly is home safe and sound. I hope her fiance is also out of harm's way, and that you have a lovely week together.
Posted by: Ruth | March 18, 2011 at 11:18 PM
Oh I had no idea. Glad she's home safe :)
Posted by: Vickie E | March 19, 2011 at 06:44 AM
So wonderful to hear she is home. My friend's daughter arrived into NY last night from Japan where she teaches English. Birds back into the nests for now.
Posted by: Loretta | March 19, 2011 at 07:57 AM
It must be such a relief albeit bittersweet. Very glad she's safe!!
Posted by: amy | March 19, 2011 at 08:05 AM
Safe. Wish we could each offer safe haven to a family from Japan right now. Perhaps we should.
Posted by: joanne | March 19, 2011 at 09:49 AM
What wise packing. So glad she's home and safe.
Posted by: Lis | March 19, 2011 at 10:41 AM
I'm glad she's here.
Posted by: carolyn | March 19, 2011 at 12:13 PM
As a Mum of a daughter that lives on an island (which is fairly isolated) off the east coast of Australia, I can understand your relief & happiness to have Molly home safe & sound. from Jenny (Melbourne, Australia)
Posted by: Jenny McH | March 19, 2011 at 06:51 PM
I am glad she is home for you.
Posted by: Leslie | March 19, 2011 at 09:39 PM
Oh, I'm so relieved! I've been waiting for a post and didn't want to bug you. The second that I saw the photo with the suitcases, I knew she was home. I hope you have a wonderful time together. xoxo
Posted by: Emily | March 19, 2011 at 11:44 PM
Awesome! I'm so happy for you and your family!
Posted by: Maureen from Ventura | March 20, 2011 at 12:36 AM
How wonderful for you to have her home and safe!
Posted by: jenclair | March 20, 2011 at 06:35 AM
So glad Molly is safe and with family stateside. I can't imagine what was going through her mind when she packed, I guess kind of like your house is on fire and you just have to go, glad she packed her quilt!
Posted by: Sharon | March 20, 2011 at 12:01 PM
I'm soo happy she's back home and safe (and with her quilt).... keep us posted.
Posted by: Monica | March 20, 2011 at 04:03 PM
good news. enjoy your time together!
Posted by: Schnoobie(susan atwell) | March 20, 2011 at 05:04 PM
Oh Jan -- I'm so happy that Molly's home safe for awhile. I thought of you all week and knew you were probably swamped with e-mails, so I've just been waiting for an update -- thanks for letting us know. Hopefully now, you can breathe a little bit. Your blocks are gorgeous -- oh, so gorgeous!
Posted by: Thimbleanna | March 20, 2011 at 10:18 PM
I'm so glad Molly was able to get a flight out. You must be relieved to have her safe and sound?
Posted by: Ann Champion | March 21, 2011 at 09:52 AM
How wonderful that she's safely home! Such a relief :-)
Posted by: Leslie | March 21, 2011 at 07:54 PM
Jan,
I can not begin to imagine what you and your family went through until Molly arrived safe back home, neither can I wrap my mind around what people are going through in Japan.
Enjoy every moment!
Love -
Posted by: Sujata Shah | March 22, 2011 at 06:43 AM
So happy to hear that your daughter is home safe and sound. What a sense of relief you must have felt when you saw her step into the airport. My thoughts are with the brave people in Japan every day and can't imagine what they are going through. Hope it gets better soon for them. Thanks for letting us know Molly is ok.
Posted by: Dixie | March 22, 2011 at 09:37 PM
So much upheaval in your life right now. I know it must feel great to sit down and complete a flower block. One block/day at a time will get us all through!
Posted by: Kathie | March 23, 2011 at 11:27 AM
Glad to hear Molly is safe at home! My sister-in-law and her kids just arrived here from Tokyo last Wednesday. Hopefully things will start to take a turn for the better.
Posted by: myra | March 23, 2011 at 04:47 PM
Things like this make you realize what is really important! My best to you and your family.
Posted by: Kelly | March 24, 2011 at 08:26 AM