Across the Pacific

Greg was a Mama's boy and I mean that in the best way (okay, as teens, it drove me "effing" insane!). In Mom's last years he was the best counterbalance to Monica's and my "do as the doctor ordered" prescription to her daily life. Fumiko-san was an integral part of our family support, too. Mom loved her even if she wouldn't share dessert with Fumiko-san (smile!).

Luckily, Greg and Fumiko-san shared their little secret -- that they were engaged, but waiting to announce it to the rest of us until Greg could ask her father's permission -- months before Mom passed away.

And so, before we left, I folded some origami cranes, the ubiquitous Japanese symbol of peace, happiness, love , longevity. I asked one of my brother's closest friends, Eric, to leave these cranes at Mom's resting place on Greg's wedding day.

Arigatou gozaimashita Eric, Cyn and Sara! Our family owes them a big thanks for many things over the past few years, but especially for helping with this small, spiritual gesture to keep Mom included in our milestone events.