i read a book when i was in college. it was called “okagesamade,” which means “i am who i am because of you.” it was about how our grandparents went through all the hardships back in the days and paved the way for us fourth generation japanese/americans living in hawaii. they worked hard, they sacrificed their lives for the family. nothing else mattered.
my 98 year old Grandpa is a one of the perfect examples of honor, respect, family, and sacrifice. eight years ago, my Grandma passed away suddenly and ever since then, he wanted to go to heaven and be with her. i’d go visit him throughout these years and that’s all he talked about. he would always say “Kirby, i had enough already, i had a good life, now it’s my time to be with Grandma,” and he’d point up to heaven. well, late last night, his wish came true. my Grandpa is now side by side with my Grandma in heaven.
this was one of the last photos i took with my Grandpa and i will treasure it for the rest of my life. i was near his bedside the day before yesterday as he was fading away. he couldn’t hear so i wrote a message on the board to him, “Please tell Grandma I said Hello. And I love you very much!” he opened his eyes, read it slowly, rose his weak arm over his head, gave me a shaka, and then ended it with a solders salute. then he pointed up to heaven and closed his eyes. it was the most beautiful thing i’ve ever experienced. i knew it was our last farewell so leaving the house was so hard. i didn’t want to cry in front of my Grandpa because that’s the last thing he wanted to see. now, i can let the tears flow. I love you and will miss you dearly Grandpa. i’m happy you are finally with Grandma. thank you for making me the person i am today. “i am who i am because of you.”
