HIGHLIGHTS FROM JAPAN

Highlights from Japan

We got all packed and ready to go. Chie got to go shopping at Macy's to buy new clothes for the big trip!!!! We did the laundry and got our suitcases packed!! Finally, we were set! The flight went really well. We didnt have any problems at all. The people from American and JAL were great meeting us at our transfer and getting chie on and off the plane. We also would like to thank Nana from IACE travel for hooking us up with such a great flight.

When we made it back to Japan, we were greeted by her father and brother. It was great to see them again. It has been 4 years since Chie has been home to see her family and we thank you all for helping make it possible. Chie's mother looked pretty laying in her bed, but our hearts broke to see her in such condition. She is suffering from Parkinson's and can no longer move or speak. They say she can uderstand what is being said so we were happy for her to hear her daughter's voice, know that she was home, and loves her mother.

It wasnt long before Chie settled into her old home. It was kind of hard to maneuver around but Chie managed pretty well. She loved having her old favorite foods. It wasnt long until things were almost back to normal. Chie's father picking at every detail, Chie doing the same until she finally said, "I gotta get out of here. He's driving me crazy!!" It was of course in a loving way and I explained that, thats why they call them parents and not homies!

Despite being asked not to go outside, I tried to take Chie out for walks and to the park or store. We tried to do a lot in the little time we had. I have included the pictures for everyone. We went to Banpaku koen for hanami and to see the tulips. We spent a day on Maishima Sports Island at the Nagisa music festival. Chie had a ball there!! It was an all day techno / drum and bass festival. She even got and danced for a little while!!!! We went with old friends Joe and Kyle and Maki. We stayed all day and had a lot of fun as I am sure you can tell by the smile on Chie's face! We went to kobe to see old coworkers and our friend's bar ragtime. She went to Awaji shima with Momoyo and Kazu and saw the Akashi Ohashi. It was a lot of fun for her I believe.

Chie went to be examined by the doctors and she received her disability card from the government. She was accepted into Kansai Rehabilitation and will work there for two months. Afterwards, she will be going to Akashi to a rehab for continued therapy. I am not sure how long she will stay there. We told her that she had graduated past me and was to continue working on her own. I believe she must stay in japan to further progress. Now , she can focus on building her mind without translating. She had begun to plateau here, plus we had exhausted all of our resources. We had no more therapy left, no more money, and nobody to watch after her in the day time. I had to take medical leave from work in february as everything became too much for me to handle. I guess it all caught up to me, the strain and stress of the last 3 years. Now Chie is in a safe place with her family and friends. I on the other hand am pouring tears, missing Chie, alone and wondering if I can put this life back together.

I am hoping the family will keep me up to date on Chie's progress and I can in turn report it back to you. We love you all and thank you for making her recovery such a miracle.

D