ＡＳＷ協会　名誉会員ジョージ・ディステーファーノさんからのメッセージ （翻訳文はＡＳＷ協会通信に後日掲載） Georgi DiStefano A message to my ASW friends in Japan It has been exactly one year since we have been together - I will forever remember the joy, and laughter - the smiles and fellowship. Today my heart is heavy knowing the pain and suffering experienced by so many of your citizens, family and friends. In America many of watch the news daily and we are inspired by your devotion to one another - your grace under the most devastating of circumstances and your incredible strength. Last year when I returned from my lecture trip I told my friends and colleagues what an amazing experience it was and how I learned so much from all of you. Today the rest of the world is learning from your example. There is no looting in your streets - although people are afraid and worried they continue to share and reach out to one another. Resources may be limited but the love and devotion you have for one another is in great supply. This is among the greatest tragedies of my lifetime. It will take a long time for the people of Japan to heal the grief and loss they have experienced. This will not be a simple process .Grief is complex and people will vary in their ability to cope and manage their lives. Nevertheless, I truly believe that the greatest medicine - the greatest antidote toward dealing with the trauma and pain lies in your ability to think about - help-and care for one another. Your culture will create the safe environment that will allow for grieving and healing to occur. As a social worker you may not have special techniques, methods or training in trauma counseling .Don't worry about what to say or do in helping others. Just give of yourselves - hold a hand-wipe a tear-do something practical - the healing comes from the connections people experience. Remember to also take care of yourself. This will be a long recovery and as social workers you will be in great demand. Not only must you work hard but you must also work smart. Do not burn yourself out. Understand you are a valuable resource to others and therefore you must take excellent care of yourself. Part of taking care of yourself is using consultation with your fellow social workers. It is of upmost importance to " debrief " that is- to share your experiences and to support one another. I have been in frequent contact with Sakae. She has shared that even having the chance to e - mail one another was helpful to her. So I urge all of you to e - mail or phone each other if that communication is possible. If you cannot contact others easily keep a journal and write your thoughts and feelings daily. This will help you to release your pent - up emotions. Lastly encourage the people you are working with as well as yourselves to quickly set up rituals and routines. Even if a person or family is living in a temporary shelter - establishing routines and daily rituals will help them feel a sense of control in their lives. Children especially need routines and rituals to feel safe and secure. .You are all in my heart my fondest hope is for us one day to meet again. I hope this note helped to bring some comfort to each of you. I know that you will all go out and bring comfort to many hundreds of people. I am with you. Georgi