I took a trip back to Japan to reconnect with my family. The family I thought I had lost when I had decided to marry my ex ... over thirty years ago.
Just like I've been finding myself back, I feel I have found my Japanese families back. I felt humbled though; I did not expect them to be so welcoming. I was able to spend time with all of my brothers I love, their wives, and their children (except my oldest's.) My favorite cousin and her sisters came to meet up, and that was fun. I have no sister, so my sisters-in-law and cousins mean a lot to me.
Kaimon-Dake, Satsuma Fuji, was as beautiful as it used to be. Sakura-Jima was looking perfect when I went up to Shiroyama while waiting for my HS friend to arrive from Tokyo. I felt grounded looking at these mountains. They remind me of my roots.
And the friends I cherish...
Thank you Chaki-chan for meeting up with me at KanKu Airport while taking care of emergency issues!!! Sorry that I missed you on the way out on the 15th!
Akko-san, a friend from HS and ever since. She has been there for me all these hard years. I can never thank her enough. I still have a lot to learn from her.
Hanamure, my HS buddy. One day, we went to see "Close Encounters of the Third Kind". We were up on the dorm roof that night and were sending hand signals to the aliens. We were those kinds of girls. Ha!
Masako-san, a neighbor during my Kichijo-Ji era, and a friend since. She is super compassionate like no other! She is also a professional level cook. I have no idea how she can whip these feasts up in less than ten minutes.
And the cherished friend I don't have a photo with. I truly enjoyed the time together.
Last but not least, thank you Meriam, sending welcome back flowers. I felt welcomed into my own home in Plano. That was priceless.
I felt alone for a long time - just me and my three children. Now, I feel I have ten thousand people stand behind me and another thousand beside me.
