Fire and ice can exist in the same place if there is enough sake around.
My first time skiing!
Our good ol' Japanese ride. I miss the Familia very much sometimes - what a perfect little wagon car she was. *Sniffle, sniffle*
"Hey dad, I'm still the coolest!"In a world which is often too serious, where people too often take themselves far too seriously, free spirits like my Mother are invaluable. They grab us and shake us out of our sacred, mundane comfort zones, to show us what we are missing. They show us that life does not have to revolve around a schedule; that it is ok to let loose every once in a while and take chances. They show us that a little charisma never hurt anyone, whether it is a ferocity in pursuing or protecting your beliefs; a warm hug when someone really, really needs it; or a certain panache in your expression, to make yourself heard. They teach us to not take any of it too seriously, not with all the fun to be had in the world.
This exuberance and care-free attitude was especially important to me growing up, as I was quite the opposite during particular phases of my adolescence. I do not know what the deal was, but I had a mustache by the age of 9, so yeah -- I was quite an awkward little boy. I also became awkward socially, and began making a point to avoid social activities (and people in general). The experience made me one of those uptight individuals, in what I saw as an uptight world.
I am telling you, folks, it could not have worked out any better that the Queen of Cool, the Queen of Silly, the Queen of Warm Smiles and Hugs -- Barbara (Lolly or Babs to many), was my Mother through all of it. I fear how horrible things could have gone for me if I didn’t have someone to: a.) Love me through it all. No matter how ugly or awkward I was. Best hugs ever. They will be missed; and b.) teach me to not take any of it too seriously, and how to blow things off in order to focus on what is really important -- family and friends, the here and now, and truly enjoying oneself regardless of what others think of it.
It is not until many years later, looking at all of this from a whole new perspective, that we see these things -- how certain people affect our lives, how their actions and examples live on in us. I know what a bright smile, warm greeting, and strong hug will do to wash away a bad day, because of my Mother. I know what it means to laugh, FULLY, because of my Mother. I swear, watching and listening to some people, it was like were never taught. One opportunity to hear my Mother woop it up, and you had a new capacity for laughter, enjoyment, letting go. Looking back, I can say that I have the capacity to love and to enjoy life because of my Mother’s example, and I am very thankful for that.
I would do anything to have my Mother here longer, but I am not surprised her candle burnt out so soon. She was just that bright a flame in her lifetime. She was a Loving Mother and an amazing person, and I love her very much for it.
VAQ-136 Christmas Party at the happening Trilogy lounge on base.
Shenanigans with Emily (Eerie Santa) and Aya-chan. This should be one of those "create your own caption" photos.
Our little Christmas tree in our little abode.
Our nice dinner out to enjoy some hibachi style grilled Wagyu beef from Gato's. It's worth the two train connections and an awkward cab ride.
