We celebrated mom's 88th birthday this fall. The 88th is of special significance to the Japanese. I didn't know about this until we received a letter from the Buddhist temple who sent mom a gift certificate since she missed the special celebration that was held there. The 88th birthday is called the Beiju. This is the link to the post with my explanation.
Along with my brother and his family we took mom to one of her favorite restaurants. The waiters all gave her ice cream and had the entire restaurant sing "Happy Birthday" to her. I think this is the first time she's had this happen and it absolutely thrilled her.
She told us later that this is the happiest she's ever been.
"I didn't expect to live this long," she exclaimed. I was sure I wouldn't live past 16 when we were caught in North Korea during the war. I was in despair when I left my family in Japan and came to Hawaii to marry a man I'd never met. But I've sent both my children to college. I have five wonderful, really smart grandchildren and three beautiful great grandchildren! I'm healthy and doing so much. I have been so lucky. I can die very happy and content now."
I reminded her about the gift certificate my nephew and his wife gave her for $88. He joked that she would have to live to be a 100 to collect a $100 gift certificate.
She laughed and said, "That's true."
Along with my brother and his family we took mom to one of her favorite restaurants. The waiters all gave her ice cream and had the entire restaurant sing "Happy Birthday" to her. I think this is the first time she's had this happen and it absolutely thrilled her.
She told us later that this is the happiest she's ever been.
"I didn't expect to live this long," she exclaimed. I was sure I wouldn't live past 16 when we were caught in North Korea during the war. I was in despair when I left my family in Japan and came to Hawaii to marry a man I'd never met. But I've sent both my children to college. I have five wonderful, really smart grandchildren and three beautiful great grandchildren! I'm healthy and doing so much. I have been so lucky. I can die very happy and content now."
I reminded her about the gift certificate my nephew and his wife gave her for $88. He joked that she would have to live to be a 100 to collect a $100 gift certificate.
She laughed and said, "That's true."
How wonderful that she has lived a long life and is so content.
ReplyDeleteYou have taken such wonderful care of her. I am sure that entered into it. She is very blessed.
ReplyDeleteHappy 88th to your mother. She is a fantastic woman and I look forward to seeing your post here in 12 years about her 100th.
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday to your mom!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday, Mom! Such a wonderful person in a wonderful family. I didn't know that about the 88th birthday. Wonder if I'll see it myself? If I do, I hope I am as happy and content as your mom. :-)
ReplyDeleteGod bless your Mom! She means much to us too. Please do tell us about her 100th birthday. That's my fond wish
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to her
ReplyDeletesuch a beautiful smile she has,, Happy Birthday to her!!!
ReplyDeleteYou mom is a beautiful woman and maybe it the contentment that add so much to that sweet smile. Given that glimpse of her earlier years, I would say she certainly deserves much happiness now.
ReplyDeleteHappy 88th Birthday to your Mom. How wonderful that she is so happy and content. She knows how to count her blessings and has many. We have all become a bit attached to her and wish her all the best.
ReplyDeleteyou are so lucky to have such a wonderful mother! she is a gem!
ReplyDeleteWhat a perfect birthday. I love it all.
ReplyDeleteyou come from great genes...long life and health-happy new year and 88th birthday to your mom.
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice celebration and congratulations to your mom on her 88th birthday.
ReplyDeleteThe very elderly have a special view of life. Most are happy and contented that they lived so long.
ReplyDeleteSo special and wonderful!!
ReplyDeleteIt's good to know that your mother is so happy. I think her life story must be quite a remarkable one.
ReplyDeleteI do know that you and Art, by making the choice to return to Hawaii to be with your mom, have added years to her life and most of that happiness that she now feels. She is very fortunate to have you.
Mahalo for sharing the photo of the big celebration! She doesn't seem to age, so I'd lie about her age....glad she's had such a good time after the undesired adventures when younger. Add a little extra sake to the glass! Gentle hugz to her, Linda in Kansas
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet post!
ReplyDeleteMazal tov to your wonderful mother, Kay. We out here love her like a mother, thanks to all your shared stories over the last almost ten years.
ReplyDeleteIn the letter from the temple, the minister signed it "In Gassho>" Can you tell me what that means?
I think it would mean “in gratitude.” Gassho means to put your palms together for prayer or meditation.
ReplyDelete