And we also gather at home quite a bit. Dinner is marked by certain continuities that I have grown to adore; my father-in-law ravenous to try to get to the end of whatever Oregon Pinot Noir I’ve muled over, my mother-in-law proudly slinging out multi-course feats of brilliance (can you say “gently fried pork cutlet”?).
One of my most beloved rituals is checking out the mind-blowing fun offered by primetime Japanese TV networks. From the “Ultimate Challenge” obstacle course to the Shou-gatsu Year End Talent show, the energy and idiosyncrasies keep my eyes open amidst the heavy pull of jet lag. Occasionally, we all turn our attention to some human interest piece produced by NHK. One such episode depicted the sei-ka-tsu (daily life) of a family with FIVE GENERATIONS living under one (very happy) roof. There was something so raw and alluring about a baby just sprung from the womb in the caring hands of a great-great grandmother born a century before.
Our own experience: The Seattle Four
With Emma’s birth, we’ve been blessed to have our own venture into multi-generational living. Megumu’s grandmother, Sumiko Imamura, hopped aboard the big bird from Narita to come and bet with us for nearly three weeks. In tow she brought her daughter, Emiko, my excellent mother-in-law (if there is such a term that avoids being oxymoronic). Better known as “Baba”, she has lavished her imprint upon our lives on many levels the precious days we’ve enjoyed. Emma (Two weeks), Megumu (30), Emiko (55) and Baba (89) comprise our “Seattle Four”.
Here is a list of observations, not such much exhaustive, as what has impacted me along the way:
Help = Energy
Six days after Emma’s birth (Father’s Day, curiously), Baba took a fall down the stairs. Yeah, I know, “89 year-old + fall = Oh sh*t!”. Baba was actually trying to get breakfast going for the whole house, including some hits of Stumptown Hairbender (maybe she and I are related by more than marriage?).
At 11:00 AM I found myself playing interpreter at the Emergency room for Baba as a nice young MD explained that she had suffered a fracture to her fibula (FYI, it’s the tibia that you really don’t want to fracture). Net-net, it could have been a lot worse.
While waiting to be discharged, I asked her “what were you thinking, going up and down the stairs like that?” She shared an interesting idea, that by helping us, so derived energy “genki ku naru yo!”. She ment that, she really did.
Over the course of the last week, Baba has been limited in moving around, yet her passion for helping us grows. She soothes Emma between feedings and soothes me when the U.S. chokes (well, maybe Ghana was really the best team. They are the ones who whip out the Israeli flag, after all).
Common Ground
Four generations of women have taught me about continuity in a big way. Here are a few of their favorite things that I know that Emma will cherish the fullness of time.
· Noshing: Specifically chocolate. Baba had me mule 24 Theo Milk Chocolate bars for her under the guise of o-mi-ya-ge (gifts for friends back home). Some of the bars have gone missing already. Hmmmm.
· Soccer: Well, Megumu is mildly impartial, but Emiko and Baba are rabid fans. This Tuesday Japan will face Paraguay in the round of 16, and I expect that our home will be at a stand-still from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM Pacific.
· Flicks: As I type this post, all three women are engrossed with the Godfather Part I. I am watching them watching the Five Families Summit Scene. They have a look of total attention.
Little Victories
Baba and Emiko set sail for Tokyo this Friday. I will be sad to see them leave and filled with ganas to return to Tokyo later this year to continue the Story. Yes, it’s been a handful to care for a two week old and an 89-year-old. I can understand why there are homes for those in the sunset of Life. But personally, I’ve enjoyed a helping of inspiration through all of this. There is something marvelous about the little victories we can all enjoy an any day at any age.
