Thursday, October 23, 2008

I'd Walk A Mile...

Hello everyone. Today, I've decided to try my first "Writer's Workshop" with Mama's Losing it.

I picked two prompts:

1. "I would walk a mile for a ________"

A. I would walk a mile for a cure for kidney disease. Maybe I would even walk 200 miles if I have to. I've already talked about my mom in Japan and some of you may already know that she has been on dialysis for the past seven years. She goes to the clinic every Tue, Thu and Saturday morning from 8am to 12pm, four hours attached to a machine laying on bed, so she can live.

She was really depressed and didn't want to go on at first when she started it, but when she learned that I was pregnant with Ju Ju, she bounced back and has been positive since. Her two young granddaughters are her will to survive. I have asked her to consider transplants which is a common practice here in the US, but my mom refuses the idea no matter what I say.

She hasn't been feeling well for the past week (hmm, maybe that's why I'm still sick...?), fainted several times and even threw up at the clinic after the dialysis. That makes me want to just fly back and be there for her. My mom is my best friend and I'd do anything to lift her spirits. She deserves to watch my girls grow up.

So, I say this out loud, I WOULD WALK A MILE, EVEN I WOULD WALK AND RUN 200 MILES FOR A CURE TO KIDNEY DISEASE!


2. Describe in detail a person who leaves no stone unturned..

A. I thought about my dad as soon as I read this prompt. He is such a determined person and he'd do anything to make his dream come true. I will make this short and sweet, so you wouldn't get bored reading it.

My dad was majoring in architecture in college when he met my mom. She was a daughter of a photographer who owned a photo business (yes, I'm talking about my grandpa). When my dad wanted to marry my mom, my grandpa said "No," because my dad had no photography background. Because my dad was madly in love with my mom, he gave up his dream to become an archtech and decided to go to a photography school. My other grandpa wasn't happy and totally against the idea because he wanted my dad to take over his archtecture business. But my dad went on to finish the school, he went back to my mom's dad ask for permission to marry her. Then my grandpa gave my dad another obstacle. My grandpa told my dad he can only be with my mom if he chose to give up his last name and took my grandpa's last name which is a very common practice in Japan in order to keep the family's last name going; not die down.

My grandpa only had two daughters; My mom and my auntie. It was very important to him that his business and his last name wouldn't die with him. My dad thought about it and he agreed marrying into my mom's family. Well my dad was second son, so his oldest bro could carry on their last name. I know it sounds strange to many of you, but that's how things work in Japan sometimes. So my dad gave up two things for my mom because my dad had to have her. After seven years they had met, my dad and mom finally tied the knot at 26.

Then after 11 years of marriage, my dad at the age of 37 realized that photography was not something he wanted anymore. My dad told my mom about leaving the place he grew up, moving to Tokyo and chasing his dreams. He grew tired of living someone else's life. Now it was my mom's turn to give up something she loved so much; her parents and a comfortable life. We moved to Tokyo, we struggled for a while.. My dad even took on a day labor job, but he never gave up. He kept on trying and trying and he finally landed the job he'd always wanted. He became a very successful sports agent in at I%G (I don't think I should spell every letter here, so I took out the middle letter) in Tokyo.

My dad is a person who would do anything for his dream and love. Granted he is a risk taker, but I truly admire him. I'm proud and glad that he is my dad... I love him!

17 comments:

colbymarshall said...

My own grandfather is suffering from kidney failure right now, so I complete am with you on this one.

Anonymous social worker said...

that's so inspiring! you dad seems a cool guys, and yes I know about you mom :(
*sending positive energy* she's very strong
...
My mom kept her maiden name when she married.

Michelle said...

Wow, I love the story about your Dad. Sorry about your mom. But how great that you can be a source of strength for her to keep her getting treatment.

Elizabeth Byler Younts said...

many blessings to you & your mom. it's great that you can be such a great source of strength for her. what a blessing to have a mom you're so close to...i can relate.

Dorkys Ramos said...

You are so lucky to have grown up with such strong, positive role models. After being raised by people like that it must give you such inner strength to go for what you want and withstand any obstacles that come your way!

Momma Trish said...

I am sorry that your mom is so sick. Kidney disease is terrible. I hope she reconsiders the transplant you suggested.

All the best.

Weeksie50 said...

I would join you in your walk. I would walk right along side of you. I haven't had anyone in my family with this but I my family has been struck with different illnesses that don't have a cure..

Great inspiring post.

Unknown said...

Your parents truly love one another. To sacrifice so much for the sake of a better life and to allow each other to chase their dreams...that's just beautiful.

Your mother is a selfless, pillar of strength.

I will pray for your mother, so that her remaining days are happy ones.

Blessings to your family!

Peace - Rene

Sometimes Sophia said...

Thank you for sharing two courageous stories. My prayers go to your family. Stay strong.

Gwen said...

I will be walking with you in spirit and sending healing thoughts to you & your family.

Maki said...

colby: I'm so sorry about your grandfather. I know how hard it has been for him and your family!!! I'll pray for your grandpa!

franco: Aww thanks so much for your positive energy!!!! My mom can use all energy she can get:D

michelle: Thank you very much for stopping by!! My dad is something - I'm, too, happy that I can the source of strength for my mom...

elizabeth: I'm really fortunate to have my mom who is so close to me. It sounds pitiful, but I can't live without her... Thanks so much for stopping by!

dorkys: Yes, I'm lucky to have them as my parents. Thank you so much my friend!!

momma trish: Hello! I wish she would reconsider it, too.... Thank you so much for stopping by my blog:)

weeksie50: Thank you sooo much for your sweet comment. It really touched my heart. I really appreciate it. And thank you for stopping by my blog:D

Rene: Awww thank you, thank you so much!! Yes, my mom is such a beautiful person and I hope someday I will be a great mom to my girls as best as my mom has been to me:)

sometimes sophia: Thank you so much for stopping by my blog and leaving me the comment!!! :)

gwen: Oh thanks so much -- I am so touched!!!! Thank you!!!

Anonymous said...

Maki I'm sorry to hear about your mom, but the second prompt about your dad was so uplifting! Thank you for sharing these personal things.

Maki said...

Rowena: No thank you for your kind words! How's Hawaii? When will you head back to Italy????

Carrin said...

The story about you parent is so uplifting! it truly restores my faith in love and soulmates!

Maki said...

Carrin: Aww thanks so much for stopping by! I grew up watching my parents' love for each other - I want the same for me and my hub and I hope my girls will have the same happiness...

KatBouska said...

Your girls are adorable...I bet they give your mom plenty to stick around for. It's got to be so hard to be away from her as she struggles through this. You sound so supportive of both your parents.

Maki said...

mama's losin it: Thanks so much, Kathy. I can honestly say my girls are the reasons she's doing dialysis. I love my parents!!

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