about to lock up our Franklin house and head back home.reflecting on a great trip. I got to speak some Japanese. Like literally for the first time in 20 years. His name was Ted (san). 82 years old, so gracious and humble, with a glint in his eye and a lifetime full of experience. Immigrated to the US by cargo ship when he was just 20 years old. Didn’t speak a lick of English. Landed in none other than Port Angeles WA which gave us a kick, having lived in Bainbridge island and all. somehow he bused himself all the way to Iowa to work on a cattle ranch and the rest is history. Imagine that kind of origin story for a desperate and bewildered Japanese kid born right after WWII. And then there he was. Right at our dinner table for Thanksgiving in Franklin NC.
Sophia was there. And she looked so beautiful. Julian by my side, fresh off our trip to South Carolina. And then there’s my beloved Steph. What did I do so right in my past life to be so lucky in this. And bringing up the rear, our ever faithful, two weinees, Chai and Remy.
Ted san took our family photos, but, truth be told, the lighting wasn’t so great. So, with all due humility and gratitude, here’s the Japanese inspired, AI rendering of what might as well be our family portrait.
