Nothing lasts for ever...

Nothing lasts forever. 
Not even my dentist-phobia.  Maybe it`s the language.
Maybe it`s the air.  Maybe it`s the dentis.  Maybe it`s me. 
I don`t know what it is, but I am cured of my phobia for dentists after the visit to the dentist in Kyoto today.
As if we do not have dentists on every corner in the city where I live too.......  But I was scared and had to go to someone recommended by someone I know... 
It was worth our 2 hours and 10 minute drive. 
Actually it didn`t even take that long but I will keep the actual driving time a secret.  For various reasons.
 
Before we left, this morning, I had time to watch the news. 
After updates on earthquakes, tsunami and nuclear plant issues the announcer lit up and presented this years first Sakura Report!  An event we all anticipate this time of the year. 
The plum trees have had their short blossom.  The peach trees are still in full bloom here and there. 
We soak in the scent and the colors with our souls. 
For as long as it lasts.

Next one on stage is the Sakura. 
The very symbol of how nothing lasts for ever. 
In this country I have learned to appreciate small things and brief moments. 
I have learned to focus on small areas of the big picture, in a good way.
On our morning walks, for instance, the big picture might not be so beautiful if captured in its whole by a camera lens...   There is an elevated highway cutting through the landscape, factories by the riverside... 
But I have learned to ignore them and focus on smaller areas that ARE beautiful.  Like when you look through a camera lens and choose what you want to include in the picture. 
And  there is so much beauty to be seen. 

I have also understood why the Sakura is such a big thing here. 
It is not only the beauty of the pink trees.
It is not only the message that spring is really here.  After all there are so many other beauties conveying the same message.

I think, the Sakura is treasured for its brief appearance on stage.  The terrific appearance is even more treasured because we all know that it can vanish in an instance. 
The wind cold become to eager or the skies could decide to rain.  And it would all be gone.  In an instance.

The awareness of each moment being precious, comes alive when everything you have worked and lived for can be wiped out any moment.  
Earthquakes, tsunami  and volcanoes leave deep footprints in peoples souls for generations.  The value of earthly possessions change and you learn to value......brief beauty. 
You learn that possessions will not be possessions for ever.
 
A phrase I often hear during the Sakura season is:
-So.... we got to view the Sakura together this year too,
didn`t we.
This year the line has got a new meaning. 

Masayuki is coming home on Wednesday. 
And if we are lucky, we will view the Sakura together this year too.