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Day 57: Mady and the Thousand Paper Cranes

Monday, November 5, 2007 - Thousand Origami Cranes (千羽鶴, Senbazuru) is a group of one thousand origami paper cranes held together by strings (click here to learn how to make a crane).

An ancient Japanese legend promises that anyone who folds a thousand origami cranes will be granted a wish by a crane, such as long life or recovery from illness or injury.

The legend has become well known through the story of Sadako Sasaki, a Japanese girl who lived near Hiroshima during World War II. As a result of radiation from the atomic bombing of her town she contracted leukemia. Her story is told in the the book Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes.

Sadako didn't have time to finish hers, but Mady now has a thousand origami cranes (pictured above). They were folded for her by Ayumi, a grade-school friend (who moved to California several years ago), along with her family and several close Japanese friends.

Traditionally, to be blessed by one thousand cranes is fortunate beyond belief. Mady felt great this weekend... coincidence? I don't think so!

9 comments:

JudithWV said...

Dear, dear friends,

Today is the first time I have braved your Web log. I was just scared to death to read it. I am so glad things are going as well as they are for Mady. Not a day has gone by without my thinking of you all.

Much love from the Shenandoah Valley, Judith

Anonymous said...

The thousand cranes are awesome! I'm glad Mady is feeling good. Pancakes, puppies, paper cranes, and prayer - the four P's of healing!

Tami L.

Anonymous said...

Here is a special shout out to Ayumi and her friends in California for the Thousand Cranes!

Anonymous said...

The paper cranes and story are very beautiful. What thoughtfulness! We love you very much, J,T,F

Anonymous said...

Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes was a sad book, but a really good book, too.
It took me a while to figure out that those were ALL cranes. It's so cool how they're all different colors.
And I'm glad you're feeling good. And no, I don't think it's a coincidence.
~~Stephanie~~

Anonymous said...

wow!! i tried folding one paper crane and it took FOREVER! i would neverhave the patience to fold a thousand!

Anonymous said...

Cranes? Will origami replace haiku? Ah, there's something to ponder, Grasshopper!! Glad to hear that Mady is doing well.
Liz & Matt

Mum said...

Hi Mady and family,
I have been following your progress these last few weeks and wish you well. I am amazed at your positive spirit, quite inspiring I must say. My son is 11 with t-cell ALL, we are 9 months into treatment and I am still in shock (and a nervous wreck to boot!).
I love the thousand cranes. It is a beautiful work of art and I would like to make one for my little boy - just looks very darn complicated though.
Anyway Mady, I'm thinking of you and checking in every day, I hope for a smooth journey for you.
Take care,
Stephanie
http://skittlesupdate.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

What a very beautiful gift!
Martha