Konnichiwa! Chronically ill Dreams of Traveling to Japan!

I have my chronic illness to thank for introducing me to the beauty of the Japanese language and the wonders of Japan. One Japanese film led to me being interested then to studying the language, delving into learning about the country like none other, and finally giving me a dream to keep on struggling for.

Tokyo's Shinjuku District at Night

I want to walk (or roll in my wheelchair) through the Shinjuku district of Tokyo at night and be awestruck by its lights. To visit Harajuku on a Sunday dressed up in cosplay with other cosplayers. Visit Meiji Jingu,one of Tokyo's major shrines, and see it firsthand. I even want to do karaoke while laughing at how terrible my performance is.

People hanging their wishes during the Tanabata festival

The story of the two lovers Orihime and Hikoboshi has always intrigued me. Tanabata is a celebration of the one day a year* in which the two lovers are able to meet. I have heard people make wishes, write them on paper, and hang them on bamboo or 'wish trees.' How I would love to write my own wish!I would buy a yukata for the festival. Actually I might buy several, a kimono, and obi sash (if I have the money too) and take them home to wear as a remembrance of my journey.

*It's the 7th day of the 7th month but goes according to a different calender so it's actual date varies in July-August.

Cherry blossom beauty at night

One of my 'musts' is to be there during the cherry blossom season in spring. Sitting under a tree with pink blossoms softly blanketing the ground sounds like a beautiful dream turned reality. Have you ever seen the beauty of a cherry blossom festival? I imagine it is something one never forgets.

If I am lucky enough to actually see and taste some of the exotic fish found in Japan it has to be with my brother. He loves fish, is actually doing his Ph.D. on the coast with them, and would appreciate the experience like no one else I know. He would go with me to Mount Fuji. With his help I would not have to rely on a wheelchair. I know my health would not allow me a dip in the natural hot springs. Still I would love to see the places where people go even if I myself cannot get in.

Japanese shrine ready for  New Year's

New Year's Eve and Day are extremely important. I would love to be there for them too. There is so much to say about what I would like to do and try. One of my simplest wishes is to simply be there at midnight to hear the bell toll 108 times.

The statue of Sadako Sasaki

I could go on and on and on but I will just say one more wish I have. This wish is personal to me because it has provided such inspiration in my life. I wish to visit the Hiroshima Peace Park on Obon Day. In the park is a statue of Sadako Sasaki. She survived the atomic bomb but was exposed to high levels of radiation and eventually developed leukemia. One day a friend brought a piece of paper to her to be folded into a paper crane. Sadako began folding cranes every day from any she scrap of paper she could find in hopes of making 1,000 cranes. According to legend, if one makes 1,000 paper cranes their wish will be granted by the gods.

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum exhibit says Sadako Sasaki finished her 1,000 and continued to make more before her death. According to most, she was able to finish 644. Out of love for her, Sasaki's friends made the rest of the cranes to fulfill the total 1,000.

Her story means a great deal to me. I fold paper cranes almost every day to reach my own 1,000. My wish may never be granted but it keeps me working towards keeping the hope Sadako Sasaki held throughout her life up until the day she died. I want to be able to visit on Obon Day to leave my own paper crane at the memorial statue to honor the life she lived so bravely.

Support me in living my chronically ill life with a flair! Follow the link, http://www.etsy.com/shop/HelpMeHope to visit my HelpMeHope shop on etsy.com.

Positive Thought of the Day: Your actions may inspire more people than you will ever be able to comprehend. Remember that.