The Japanese Gardens behind the Buffalo History Museum are beautiful. They are a peaceful place to reflect on anything that is in your heart or to sit down and make a painting or to take photographs. The gardens are a gift from Buffalo’s sister city, Kanazawa, Japan. Kanazawa is well-known for its beautiful and radiant gardens, and this garden in Buffalo is truly a special gift for us. Back in 2010, when I participated in the Walk for a Nuclear Free Future that started in Salamanca and ended in New York City, we made sure to make a stop at these Japanese gardens. We had a group of walkers from Japan and we wented them to see these gardens. It was March and the cherry trees were still dormant. But our Japanese visitors loved the gardens. The next day, we walked to Niagara Falls and that was a special treat for everyone, especially for those in our group who were from far away. I am sure that was part of their bucket lists.
My friend and I went to see the Japanese gardens just two days ago to see the cherry blossoms, but it isn’t yet their time. We still enjoyed seeing the early spring flowers and the lovely sculptures. Life is good like that because there is always something beautiful to see. It is a very peaceful place to go. For me, the calmness that I sense from being there helps me focus and find balance, something that I struggle to find in my day to day life. And now, it feels even more difficult to find that balance and to achieve that sense of calm and peace.
Today, that balance felt even harder to achieve. Early this morning, I found out that Pope Francis passed away. His humility was an inspiration to me, and my heart hurts at the news of his passing. I am sad at his passing but grateful for his ministry. I am grateful for his concern for our environment and for the poor and marginalized humans in our midst. He was a wonderful human being.
I am reminded me that life is full of beauty, but it is also full of sadness and loss, and I am not sure how to find balance. In time, maybe it will come, but not today. And so, I can let it go for today. And that is okay.
Stay tuned for an update, which I will share when the cherry trees have blossomed.
Thanks for the nice visit to the Japanese garden, Alice. It’s beautiful and calming. Yes, I saw the Pope’s passing this morning.
My friend was in Vatican City for the Easter celebration, and she took a video of the Pope passing by in the Popemobile. And then, the next day, she reported that the Pope had passed away. I am grateful that she shared her experience and am so sad that he is gone.
I saw the Pope had passed; his ill health was hinted at. I felt happy for him. He was in his home, he continued to do his work. I am of the mind that some people pass at their choosing. He chose this time, I’m sure. Easter Sunday! What a joy for him. We’ll remember.
Thank you, Linda. I really appreciate your perspective. Yes, Easter is a good time and he did pass at home and not in a hospital. He was happy, I think.