Feeling Nostalgic

 Today is Hannah's birthday!

That's had me going down memory lane!

My tiny, premature baby, who was given just a 30% chance of living, is now 23!  Time really does fly!

I've been looking at photos today. 

With Dad, about 8 months old

Hisao really doted on her. 

With Granddad and Grandma

There are only a few photos of Mom with Hannah. About a year later, Mom passed away. I'm glad that Mom got to meet Hannah!

outing for Hannah's birthday

Hannah's birthday is a day before Golden Week, which is one of the main holidays in Japan. There are four national holidays, and sometimes they run consecutively, making it a nice, long holiday.  The problem is that everywhere is packed. With Hannah's birthday falling just before meant that most places weren't that busy. Good chance to go out before the crowds start.

playing Cinderella

With Dad, just a year before he passed away

I'm constantly amazed at how well all of my kids have turned out after losing their Dad so young! Mikey was just 20, David 18, Christopher 14, and Hannah 10!  I know my family is not unique in losing a parent when they are young, but the fact that they pulled together, supported each other, and me, they didn't internalize their grief or let it become a bitter anger, always amazes me. We talk about Hisao almost every day. He is still part of this family, always will be!

Graduation from elementary school

2nd visit to England

,

Starting high school

Starting university

graduation from university

Now all grown up!

She is coming to visit tomorrow. It'll be nice to visit with her for a while. I think she enjoys living at the apartment, but the idea of someone else cooking, cleaning, and doing your laundry for a few days is nice!

I managed to get outside this morning!  Pulled some weeds, Christopher helped. David and Mikey attacked some of the trees. 

before

After this is the front of the property

Found some more lovely flowers, I don't know what they are.

lovely flowers

I know that pulling weeds is going to be never-ending. But seeing an area cleaned gives me hope that we are getting somewhere, even if it's slow going!