Sunday, May 31, 2015

いつまで


Ever since Zsa's passed away more than a week ago, I've asked her to come visit me in my dreams. Each night before I go to sleep, I remind her. But she hasn't come yet.

Last night, I woke up in the middle of the night with the word いつまで (itsu made) on my mind.  It means "forever".  Zsa's and I were Best Friends "Forever", but I doubted that it was a message from her . . . she didn't even speak Japanese. But . . . half asleep . . . in the middle of the night . . . I told myself to remember.

This afternoon when Wendell retrieved the mail he said, "You got something from Zsa's family." The envelope looked like it might contain a card. I wondered what it could be.

Turned out it wasn't from Zsa's family. It was from Zsa's herself. It was a long-lost thank-you card thanking me for the birthday present that I had given her back in February. 

The card described our relationship perfectly. It said how we both knew that are friendship couldn't be measured by how many emails we exchanged, or phone calls we made, or amount of times we saw each other during the year, but more on the close, comfortable connection that we've shared through the years. 

It was the most perfect card . . . arriving at the most perfect time . . . and signed in the most perfect way . . . 

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17 comments:

Les said...

awwww that's so sweeeet!

jalna said...

It was kinda shocking to see her signature, Les. It was like a reminder to me that she is still here . . . I just can't see her.

Anonymous said...

J: How bittersweet and poignant. Sometimes they don't come back cuz they're happy and on a new journey. N

Honolulu Aunty said...

I believe: for those we love who loved us, they are always with us, reaching us from a far better place than here. It is comforting to know.

Kalin's Mommy said...

aw, so awesome!

jalna said...

Thanks, N.

It is very comforting, Aunty.

Thanks, Mich.

Anonymous said...

How wonderful to receive this acknowledgement from your dear friend...that is such a gift! I totally understand, I had something similar happen...

Mark Shelby said...

Ho! Chicken skin!

Kay said...

"Love you forever"... itsu made. Perfect.

Oh Jalna.. I'm so sorry. She's left you with a friendship that will last forever. The memories will always be a part of you.

K and S said...

chicken skin!

jalna said...

Thank you, Anon.

Mark, I gasped when I saw her writing.

Thank you, Kay.

Yah was, Kat

Taryn M said...

Such an amazing story. Reading this brought tears to my eyes...

jenny said...

How wonderful! Just an all around great story, thanks for sharing Jalna.

Nippon Nin said...

This is beautiful! I know she watching over you from above.

Renee Yamada said...

Awww ...sooo touching ... she will ALWAYS be in your heart! Thank you for sharing such a beauuutiful story! Here's to good times and great memories!

Susan said...

Read this at the end of my day and it made my rather difficult day a good day after all!

jalna said...

Awww Taryn. Hope you're doing well.

My pleasure, Jenny.

Thank you so much, Akemi.

Thanks Renee!

I'm so glad, Susan!