Monday, January 20, 2025

"practice the art of resilience"

Many things did not go according to plan today--I got behind on a couple of tasks, my massage therapist canceled, I broke one of my favorite dishes as I was readying dinner, I burnt two parathas and also my hand, I accidentally heard a few snippets of news about the inauguration, and was surprised and saddened by news that Cecile Richards had died (that's when I lost focus and burned my hand, actually)...

But the title of this article played in my head like a mantra: "With their lives upended, they practiced the art of resilience." It's a story about a new exhibition at the Smithsonian featuring the work of three Japanese-American artists, two of whom had been incarcerated in internment camps during World War II. One of them, Miné Okubo, later wrote the book Citizen 13660 about her life in the camps--Big A's grandfather, Harold, was instrumental in getting that book published as she notes in the introduction. 

We'd been talking about taking a trip to D.C. to see the exhibition yesterday because of this connection... But also, I'll take every reminder of people going through terrible times and making it out to the other side. 

Pic: Nu showing me which kid they resemble on one of our treasured Miné Okubos--She gave Big A's grandparents a few of her paintings as gifts over the years they stayed in touch.

15 comments:

Nicole said...

That's such an interesting connection you have.
Sending you a big hug, there's nothing else I can say really.

Sarah said...

I **watched**. Bad choice. Also, Cecile Richards!A good day to practice resilience.

Nance said...

What a noble endeavour your husband's grandfather succeeded in. And maintaining that connection shows it was more than simply business for them both.

We're all going to have to Practice Resilience and much more, I'm sure. Within that Resilience must be Humanity, Kindness, Resistance, and, like your husband's grandfather, Nobility.

Lisa's Yarns said...

I did not watch the inauguration, but I turned on our local news to get an update on the weather. There was a story about a group of people gathering at a church to watch the inauguration. And I freaking lost it... I made some comments in front of Paul about the irony of people gathering in a place of faith to celebrate the inauguration of such a terrible person. I just couldn't help myself.

Now, here's a funny story for you. Back in April of 2021, my MIL was over to celebrate Easter with us. Paul was three at the time. He said to his grandma: " Nana, do you know who Jesus is? He's Joe Biden!" We all got a good laugh out of it and had to agree that Biden was coming to save us.

I need to read that New York Times article. It sounds like an amazing story, and it's so cool that you have a personal connection to the author.

Anonymous said...

The exhibit is a good one. I hope you are able to visit it! ❤️

I remember the first time I learned of the internment camps and my 14 year old heart COULD NOT BELIEVE that they happened in the U.S.; history can be such an important teacher, if we let it.

-Steph

maya said...

Gratefully received! Thank you, friend!

maya said...

Oh, Sarah!
Also, I had not heard about her being sick, so it was shocking...

maya said...

Nance, I must say Harold is known for publishing Miné Okubo more than anything else he did professionally. It's his claim to fame, so to speak, so I never considered it exceptionally noble or kind... although now I'm beginning to wonder... Perhaps she was not quite as famous back then? I'll ask the elders.

maya said...

Thank you.

maya said...

Biden saves! Haha! That is too, too funny!

maya said...

Steph--wait! Have you already seen this show?!?! How awesome! AND StephLove is also in the D.C. area!

I'm sorry about your 14-year-old heart. I was much older and it still broke my heart. America tells a good story, and it really hurts when I have to take off my rose- colored-immigrant glasses.

StephLove said...

Give me a shout if you do come to DC.

maya said...

I was going to message you for sure!! <3

Jenny said...

Accidentally hearing news about the inauguration is to be avoided at all costs! I got through Monday unscathed, but have been hearing snippets the last couple days... arg.
I wish I were your massage therapist! I wouldn't cancel on you.

maya said...

Jenny, LALALALALALA :D
(And I know you would never cancel unless it was something big--funny how much you can tell about people from their writing!! <3)

my tiny domestic tragedies

Big A seemed a bit better yesterday. But he didn't think so. I think he likes being taken care of. It makes me think of my hero, June Jo...