Good-bye, Grandpa

Tokyo, Japan | July 2010

Tokyo, Japan | July 1992

With sadness, I have to share that grandfather in Tokyo has passed away.

Many of you know that I lost my father when I was 10, and I spent my summers at my grandparents' home in Tokyo. My grandfather was the father figure during my adolescent life. He was a mild, humorous man who loved his family (and jokingly cheat us at card games - hey I just realized why I find it charming when my husband pulls that).

Anyway, he was amazing.

Johnson AFB, Japan | September 1958

After WWII ended, he worked at Johnson Air Base as a lifeguard for the Americans stationed there. See news article photo attached - he's the one with his arms crossed and he is referred to as "Henry" Sasaki because his real name was too difficult to say. His brother Yuji also worked on base as a cook.

My grandfather and his brother loved the Americans. I have heard many stories, but my favorite is the one where the Japanese would trade their prepared lunches (salmon rice balls) for American food, because the Americans thought the home-cooked Japanese meals were so much better. My grandfather was thrilled to exchange his lunch for meat and potatoes!

Anyway, I miss him already, but I am doing fine. I just wanted to share him with you, my friends.