03/23/2026
MINERVA: Don’t throw living things away so easily
People who have choices often take the easiest way out. Letting go of commitments like marriages or relationships can seem simpler than taking on the responsibilities we have, especially with children. Sometimes, ending a life feels easier than caring for it, just to avoid inconvenience. This shows up not only in how we treat elders, but also in how pets are abandoned when they stop being fun. For example, parents might buy baby chicks or bunnies for Easter, but later let them go in the wild, leave them at shelters, or just get rid of them. Why is it so easy for us to end a life?
Minerva is an Amaryllis (Hippeastrum) that my younger sister gave me when we lived in California. She’s now ten years old and has survived tough times—extreme heat in California, two cold Oregon winters, and two hot summers without air conditioning. As her caretaker, I’ve sometimes forgotten to water her or given her too much water. Still, every season, Minerva bounces back and blooms with bright red flowers. Her strength amazes me. Each year, seeing her green stem push through the old soil brings me real happiness. I see myself in Minerva; I’ve also faced hard times and been left behind for no reason, but like her, I keep going and recover.
There’s a Japanese saying, Shichiten-hakki (七転八起), which means 'fall down seven times, get up eight.' My Japanese mother and our ancestors always taught me to keep going, no matter how many times life knocks you down. This idea, known as 'the way of the Samurai,' might not always make sense, but it’s a big part of our culture. Watching the new series Sh**un with my 99-year-old Okaasan reminded me that this strong spirit is still alive in Japan. Like Minerva, I keep pushing through the tough times—racism, bigotry, money problems, broken promises, being left by a husband, sexism, sexual harassment, sexual assault, assumptions, prejudice, and now ageism. The struggles keep coming, and sometimes things get harder, but Minerva and I keep going, no matter where the challenges come from.
Not many people know this, but I was named after my Indigenous grandmother, Minerva. When I was a child, I didn’t like my name, Minerva Elizabeth. It felt strange, and other kids—and even teachers—made fun of it. So, I started using my middle name, Elizabeth. But as I’ve grown older, I’ve learned to appreciate my real name and see that I share the same strengths as Minerva.
Shichiten-hakki teaches us to keep going, and Minerva reminds me that there’s always a chance to grow and start again. I’ve always seen myself as strong and unique, just like Minerva’s bright red flowers. I love the color red, I love Minerva, and I treasure the time I spend with my 99-year-old Okaasan, my three sons—Gabriel, Samuel, and Elijah—my siblings, nieces, nephews, and my friends and colleagues. With support, encouragement, and care, I know I’ll keep growing.
Let’s all try to be like Minerva and not take the easy way out by giving up, pulling the plug, or throwing things out. Have faith in living things, better yet, have faith in God's omnipresence. and magnificence.
Minerva Elizabeth Asahi Rising Sun Sato (c) asahi sato
