Hindsight

When I was going to school in La Mirada my parents and I lived across the street from Betty and Bill, my father’s good friends.

Dad used to work with Betty at a Denny’s near the LAPD Helicopter pads in Los Angeles close to Little Tokyo and the rest of Downtown. Years later we decided to move to the quiet suburb of La Mirada, where I attended a Christian school up until junior high. During my years there, Aunt Betty used to babysit if my parents weren’t home. I’d hang out with her and watch TV, take care of Suzy (their poodle). She’d pick me up if the folks couldn’t make it. Sometimes we had Thanksgiving dinners at her place.

My mom called me this morning as I was in bed. I woke up and she told me that Aunt Betty passed away this morning.

Aunt was battling Multiple Sclerosis, a disease that attacks the central nervous system, for many years.

The last time I saw her was Christmas day. We visited her in the hospital and she was surprised to see us. She cracked jokes and was happy to see me.

Aunt Betty used to work with the Disneyland Hotels. Once she gave me a bag full of quarters to run around an arcade there. She loved to see me happy and always believed in me. I told her two weeks ago that I’d see her again. I sit here at a loss and I don’t know what more to say.

May you rest in pease, Aunt Betty.

I got something in the mail today.

It looks like Mrs. Morizono received the package of pictures I sent her two months ago. I was surprised to find something from her in the mail this evening. There were other letters and drawings inside. New words from the junior high kids that will always bring me back.

My latest project is up:
One Month in a Day

No year-in-review here this year. Just looking forward now, as last month ended rocky. I can only look forward and hope to do better. Happy New Year.