05/10/2026
Okaasan- Mother, I love you!
When you meet Yukiko, she is full of joy, and her kanji is unique in that it is a happy child. Typically, Yuki = snow. Hers was specifically chosen as Child of Happiness.
Everyone who interacts her, never forgets her.
She is life to me.
If you have ever seen Joy Luck Club or watched any Asian drama-- having an Asian mother is one of the most intense experiences ever. It's complex, and often, we are rediscovering hidden stories from her past constantly. Add to that, we don't speak the same language as our given languages, and the complexity thickens. Then add how much more an Asian mother expects of her daughters. There are a lot of tears. It's intense.
What makes my mom unique, especially in Japanese culture, is her laughter. She speaks what's on her mind, she's direct and authentic. We grew up with exchange students from all over Asia, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Indonesian, Tawainese, Muslim--- She felt she needed to this because she remembered how hard it was leaving home and coming to America. How much she wished she had a guide. Her mother and father passed away when she was young. She came to America with no support.
Just faith.
When my dad separated from the Army, she flew 4 children from Germany to Japan alone. She says lots of drugs, Adina. The courage to do that and handle things. She worked as an international businesswoman and, without fail, had a homemade dinner almost every night.
I'm grateful for the life she exposed me to and gave me the ability to connect across cultures and not be scared to be curious about other cultures-- people born and raised differently. It's made me less fearless and helped me to rely on faith. Especially in the most challenging circumstances. Which helps me give that light, hope, and faith into my motherhood. I love you, Mom!