When I wrote about the Sakura children–the kids left homeless by the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, I had no idea what would happen. Asking people to make postcards doesn’t seem like much, but it’s easy to forget. You didn’t forget. It would have been easy to just let it go–after all, what good would it do? But those who sent postcard know that art heals.
When I went to the post office today, I opened the box and found it empty. Well, I thought, it was an experiment. Then I noticed the thin slip of paper on the bottom of the box. I slipped it out and found the note, “See a postal worker at the front desk.” I wondered why–I had just renewed the box and paid the fee.
When I got to the front, the postal employee asked me if I was “Sakura.” Uh-oh. Not wanting to explain, I said “Yes.” I’m not Asian, but then again, we don’t all look like our stereotypes. She brought me a dozen fat envelopes filled with postcards. My eyes filled up. It’s wonderful to know that people care enough to make art and share it.
Thanks to Marva in Colorado, Erica in New Jersey, and a group of anonymous card-makers with big hearts.
The photos here are just a quick collage of some of the cards. I’ve thanked some people before, but it’s time to thank all of you again. Cards came in singles, some came in envelopes. The youngest person to send a card was 6 years old. The oldest was well into her 80s. Some were anonymous. One package had the note, “We made a group of cards and added some money for postage.”
Thanks to Karen in Oregon, Lynn in Arizona and Priscilla in Massachusettes.
In the last months, I’ve had some low times. Wondering about war, the world, the people in it. To all of you who have sent a card, thank you so much. For your time. For your messages. For caring. I’ve shown the cards to friends and the reaction is universal: immediate soul-lifting. The joy in these small pieces of paper doesn’t wear out–they made me happy and they make everyone who sees them happy. That’s pretty amazing. Joy doesn’t get used up, it increases.
If you haven’t sent in your cards, you can read more about them here. Or, just make a card with a loving message for a child and send it to:
Sakura Children
P.O.Box 12183
Glendale, AZ 85318
QuinnCreative 
I have tears in my eyes as well! Glad my envelope got there so quickly and that it wasn’t the only one waiting for you! What a wonderful project this is, not only for those in Japan who will receive the cards, but for all of us making them and everyone reading your blog and getting to see what beautiful expressions of caring are being shared.
Thank you again for doing this and giving us an opportunity to brighten many days!
I’m humbled and so glad I decided to ask. There is so much kindness to be shared!
Oh…this brought tears to my eyes. Yes – I’m going to make a card and send it.
Please, do Marcie. I’m going to keep it open for a while, because if the kids in Japan feel just 1/10th of the joy I felt, it will make the world a better place.
This was such a wonderful project for you to do, Quinn. And…you brought tears to my eyes this morning when i saw your post and that one of the postcards you featured and mentioned is my granddaughter’s. This will be a special page in her scrapbook! I want you to know also that my collage class thoroughly enjoyed this extra project that I gave them. A little something meaningful that we could do. Thank you so much. April
April, you have no idea how much this meant to me. After the funny thing at the post office (I had to register “Sakura” and “Art Project” as living with me, so I could get their mail), it was just so moving to come home and see the cards. Such a small, generous action never wears itself out. My friends smiled, I smiled, and the kids in Japan will smile. It’s a butterfly wing effect, for sure. Thank your granddaughter for me.
YEAH!! There’s nothing like mail pouring in to bring a smile. I can already feel the reaction of the recipients! So glad you’ve had such a good response to your call for postcards. Three more from Deutschland should be trickling in soon… xx tj
It’s just amazing what mail will do–it makes me smile to know people will contribute in such a heartfelt way.