This was sent to me by my daughter Rion (via her mother) when Rion was 5 years old. Every summer from 2005-2009, Taiko and the girls would go to Japan for 5 weeks to visit their Japanese family while I remained home working. These summer visits were hard for me because I missed my daughters so much when they were gone, but I felt it was important that they know their Japanese heritage and visit with their Japanese family. I would speak to them every day while they were away. Sometimes I would receive e-mails like this one:
Sent Sunday June 1st, 2008 at 10:00:49
“Thank you for your hug and kiss,Daddy.
I miss you and love you too.
We are having a great time here with our Japanese family.
They are so nice to us and play with us.
Dad, Rion loves you dada,you know ?
love, Rion.”
It is truly a pity that their mother does not share in the thought that it is very important for our children to know ALL of their family, Japanese and Canadian. I always thought that they should. I still do.
I love you Rion, Lauren and Julia. I will see you again very soon.
Bruce R. Gherbetti
father of Rion, Lauren and Julia (abducted to Japan, Sept. 2009)
May you receive more like this from all your kids in the near future, Bruce.
Best wishes,
Tony
Thank you Tony. My very best thoughts to you and yours.