A show of support for Japan

POST FALLS - Elizabeth Weisenbach knows what it's like to lose both family and belongings to tragedy.

So when Japan was ravaged by an earthquake and tsunami last week, the Post Falls woman felt compelled to show compassion.

She has posted a banner outside her home that reads, "Japan. You are not alone. We share your sadness."

"They need moral support," Weisenbach said. "After the earthquake, like everyone else, I woke up and was in complete shock to see what was unfolding."

Weisenbach said she hopes her action will catch on.

"It would be a neat thing if people in the community could follow suit," she said.

Weisenbach, 48, paid $60 to have the banner made. She wanted to have something that can withstand the weather in the days ahead as Japan unravels from the crisis.

"Sixty dollars is nothing to bring moral support in the community," she said. "It makes me feel like I'm just not sitting there and watching all the destruction on TV.

"Moral support is something that everyone needs."

Weisenbach said she needed it multiple times in her life.

Her husband, Jimmy Ader, died in a car accident about 30 years ago in Fernan Lake.

"We were both 18, and I was pregnant with my first (child)," she said.

She lost a brother at 14 about 20 years ago to apparent suicide.

And, a year ago today, Weisenbach lost much in her home due to a fire. There were no injuries and the cause was undetermined.

She worked at a Spokane hospital at the time, but is currently unemployed.

"I know that support helps a lot," Weisenbach said. "I know a bit about what they're going through (in Japan)."

Weisenbach said insurance paid to have her house repaired and compensated her lost belongings, but it took months to recover and get back on her feet.

And she thanks organizations such as the Red Cross for being there in the tense aftermath to assist with housing and other needs.

"It's critical that people have motivation to pick up the pieces," she said.