“Man developed nuclear weapons.
We have to question the human heart.
People can decide to abandon them.
I believe we can abolish nuclear weapons.”
-Miyoko Matsubara, Hiroshima atomic bomb survivor
I
received the sad news that Mrs. Miyoko Matsubara passed away on
February 10th, 2018. I met her in 2010 through Koko Tanimoto-Kondo.
They were childhood friends because Koko’s father, Rev. Tanimoto, took
care of many children who were injured by the atomic bomb.
Mrs.
Matsubara was 12 years old when the atomic bomb destroyed Hiroshima.
Her story details the hard life during and after the war and the passion
she derived from living
through those years. The atomic bomb left her severely burned with
keloid scars covering most of the body. She experienced discrimination
because of her appearance. In 1953 she was selected to be part of the
Hiroshima Maidens program which made it possible for her to have
corrective and cosmetic surgeries.
After
Mrs. Matsubara dedicated her life to peace activism and helping other
victims of war cope with the aftermath. She raised her elder brother’s
three young children when he and his wife passed away.
My
memories of the afternoon I spent with Mrs. Matsubara will be that she
was always affable. Her spirit instantly brightened the room. She had
suffered a stroke a couple of years prior but made it a priority to
practice speaking English in the mirror so she didn’t lose her motor
skills. She spoke to me in perfect English.
That
afternoon was my only time with Mrs. Matsubara. I still remember all
the details vividly because she left a permanent impression. She always
had this glow about her. I feel lucky to have the opportunity to call
her my friend.
