Living with my handicapped son

When the Hanshin-Awaji earthquake occurred, I lived with my husband and handicapped son in the Higashi-Nada area, a heavily damaged area in Kobe. Due to the earthquake, our house was totally destroyed and, to make our situation worse, because my son's wheelchair and our car were also destroyed, we had no way to find refuge in a safe shelter. Fortunately, a kind passer-by offered to take us to a near-by shelter by car. In and after the disaster, the handicapped people were in serious danger due to inconveniences. For example, we could not take the wheelchair out and move due to heaps of rubble on the road. Deaf people might not have been able to listen to crucial information and partially sighted people might have been confused by the changes in the town that they remembered. In the distress after the earthquake, I felt the necessity for a communication and support system for handicapped people.

After living in temporary housing for 2 and a half years, we were able to go back to Kobe. Unfortunately, my husband died and my son was so shocked by his father's death that he started to shut off his mind and kept away from others. My son was recovering from shock thanks to the devoted caretaking service of helpers at the welfare center; but at last he passed away.

Losing my son, I felt so tired psychologically that I could not be involved in anything at all. Caring for my son was support for me. Losing him, I needed to support myself in another way. Now I am helping people as a volunteer at the welfare center and joyful faces and voices are my mental support.

Remembering the past 40 years, there were so many difficulties and troubles. I thank everyone, especially my son. He gave me indescribable smiles when he was happy. I know how important human relationships are. We should not forget the people who died.

-Student's impressions-

I think common people are fortunately able to have a wonderful time every day. This can be said to be "selfish". There are so many people who lost precious others in this earthquake. I would like to keep this in mind every day.