Michiko and Jun: The Family We Met When Eric was 8




Eric attended Amami Montesssori School from 1st grade until 6th grade. There were a lot of families that came and went thru that school but one family has stayed in our hearts and minds since then. That is Michiko and Jun and their 3 children: Takashi, Mari, and Lisa. We got to know Takaski the most because he and Eric were about the same age, Mari 5 years younger and Melanie 2 years younger then her, then Michiko had Lisa while they lived in Charlotte. When they moved out of North Carolina, her children were about 10,5, and 2. They moved to California for 10 more years and then back to Japan. Eric got back in touch with Michiko about 1 year ago to tell her he is living here. He tried to contact her before but they didn't connect. I am glad they finally got reconnected because she is like his Japanese mother. I know she looks out for her and Monica and they see each other some even when I am not here.

We went out to dinner with them last night at a traditional Japanese restaruant near where Jun works. Jun has since changed job a few times and now travels to Singapore, Germany and Manila. Takashi graduated college in Japan and goes back and forth to Korea (his girlfriend lives there), Mari is in medical school in Saitama, and Lisa is finishing her last year of high school and going to go to Art School. I am as proud of them as Michiko is! It is amazing how even though years went by, our friendship picked up where it left off years ago. I had a great time with Michiko the other day, last night and we have a few more things we are going to do before I leave. I think this family is the reason that Eric has been so interested in Japan his whole life. He couldn't have picked a better family for that journey! As far as my family goes: Eric is at the university in Japan and working, Melanie is in her last year at Wake Forest, soon to go to Grad School. Go kids Go!!!



Pictures are of us cooking and eating Japanese style.











And other random pictures:











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