Tuesday, June 7, 2016

ASIJ Reception and more

It's been several months since I've posted.  Life has happened.  Work has happened.  I thought I finished sharing with everyone about the reception and other aspects of the visit but realized that I didn't finish.  So here goes.

After the incredible day at the school we all went out and celebrated.  I can't remember the name of the area we went to but there was a cherry blossom festival, many people and good food.  The next day we each hung out in different areas of Tokyo and that evening we went to the reception.

I do have several regrets.  

My first regret from the visit, was not to have had more time with Ron Dirkse. To be sure,  he, Ron, was our biggest advocate, strongest voice, and stealth supporter.  Ron not only gave of himself to us but sacrificed greatly on our behalf.  Ron,  you are my true hero.  You have taught me how to advocate and stand up for justice. You should be the statue at ASIJ.  But we know how that has gone.... so we will just leave it as it is.  Thank you Ron for defending us, for fighting for us and for supporting us when, it felt, no others did. 

My second regret is that we didn't have an adequate avenue to thank the alumni who supported us. I can't begin to name anyone because I will forget someone and get into trouble for not mentioning names, so I want to say THANK YOU!!  You know who you are.  You know how difficult this journey has been for us and YOUR support brought us to a finally!! THANK YOU!!  I do know I can speak for everyone of the "sisters" that YOUR support brought us closure.

The reception at the Embassy was also wonderful.  Paul Wedderien and his wife were gracious hosts to board members, alumni, faculty and us.  Martha presented an Etagami to Brian and Paul and thanked them for their part in reconciliation and bringing closure to this incredibly difficult journey. Time flew by and before we knew it, it was 11:00 p.m.  I don't think any of us expected to stay for more than a couple of hours.

The next day several of us went up to the big Budda in Kamakura and then that evening some of us went to Tonki's and ate the famous Tonki's tonkastu.

Chuck and I departed that Thursday and were able to look back and say what an incredible journey we both were able to take together.  From the day we saw Lake Nojiri, to the last day in the airport, it was truly a trip of a life time.

For your involvement to make this trip happen and for the closure of this journey I can only say thank you and God speed.  Many blessings to you all.