Celebrating Obon a little differently this year

[atoberex]

 These last two years I haven't been much of a fan of Obon. It was a too bright reminder that my parents were gone from this world.

But, thanks to the hard work of several people, including Inui Sadaharu and my dearest heart, Momoshiro Takeshi...this year I get to celebrate two fewer of my ancestors.

How do I put this? I HAVE MY PARENTS BACK!!

We found them in a small village in Switzerland, less than 100 km from where the plane went down. Mother is in need of some surgery on her leg, and Father...well, Father is recovering from amnesia. Apparently I was the catalyst in his sudden memory return. This was last Monday. We flew back to Japan today. I'm...I'm still stunned. 

Kabaji, Yuushi...Hyoutei. Thank you for your support. I am...beyond words right now.

Comments

[gekidazejanai]

Holy shit, that's awesome! I'm glad you found them alive. Will you be bringing them home to Japan, then? We can throw them a welcome home party, Hyoutei style.

[atoberex]

We arrived yesterday, actually. While the doctors in Switzerland were anxious to keep them, I was able to convince everyone that Japan's doctors would be just as capable of seeing them back to health. Mother was very grateful. She has seen enough of the ancestral homelands on her grandmother's side for this lifetime, I think.

[gekidazejanai]

I bet she has! I'm glad you were able to get them back in time for Obon, too. If they're feeling up to it, or if you're willing to leave their sides, Arashi and I will be at the festival all night. I'll be spending part of it at the zoo, though, but Kabaji has very graciously offered to watch the munchkin while I'm working. You should come by and see us.

[atoberex]

I will be setting the water on fire with the number of lanterns I intend to put out. But, perhaps I will see you there. Kabaji has a knack for finding me.

I believe my parents will be celebrating quietly at home, surrounded by a few comforts of home that they have been missing.

[gekidazejanai]

I'll have to get pictures when I go to put out lanterns, then. I'm sure I'll still be able to see yours. And Arashi will be thrilled to see you when Kabaji does find you. If she ever lets him take her anywhere other than the Night Safari. That kid is as crazy about animals as I am.

I can't say I blame them there. I'm sure there's going to be enough of a media circus interrupting their lives despite best efforts for the next few months.

[atoberex]

By all means. This is Arashi's first real Obon, yes? She already has a yukata? I could send over a selection for her to choose from if not.

Indeed. Fortunately the servants are very good at keeping them away.

[gekidazejanai]

It is and she does. My mom got her a really cute red and pink one that she loves. And she's already insisting on doing Arashi's hair.

It's good you have such skilled and diligent staff.

[theprodigalbuchou]

That is wonderful news. I'm very happy for you and your family.

[atoberex]

Thank you, Seiichi. I cannot tell you how happy I am right now.

[notafossil]

Congratulations. I'm happy you were able to receive such good news from your efforts. And that your father's memory seems to be returning.

[atoberex]

The doctors will begin testing next week, but Mother has been doing her own and says it seems to be mostly back. Except for one instance that apparently happened early in their dating period, involving an open car window. I cannot possibly imagine why Father wouldn't remember that one.

[notafossil]

Perhaps he did something to embarrass himself and is choosing not to remember? Still, it's wonderful that he recalls so much.

[atoberex]

...yes, Sanada. That is rather what I was implying. Hm, perhaps I was not using a sarcastic enough font...

But thank you, it IS wonderful!

[notafossil]

Ah, my mistake. I apologize, I have a difficult time detecting sarcasm in print.

I hope your mother has a swift recovery once her leg is tended to.

[atoberex]

She will have the finest doctors and therapists to help her. She's made of touch stuff, my mother.

[somewhereibelong]

I didn't really do anything, Keigo... just stood around and... stood! But I'm really glad they're back and glad you're happy again.

[atoberex]

My love, you kept me sane and grounded at a time when I was in desperate need. That is enough to elevate you to sainthood in my book!

[somewhereibelong]

I guess I'll stand around more often if I get a sainthood for it!

[atoberex]

Well, you don't have to *stand* if you don't want to. In fact, I wouldn't mind if you were a little closer...

[somewhereibelong]

Haha you want me to come over, love? I'm free if that's the case.

[atoberex]

Shall I send a car?

That is a yes, by the way!

[oshitariy]

That's such great news, and I'm so happy for you. A warm welcome back to you and your family.

[atoberex]

Thank you, Yuushi. It...I'm still without words. They would like to see you, of course. Perhaps next week?

[oshitariy]

Any time that would be convenient on your side would be fine for me. How are they doing settling back down in Japan?

[atoberex]

Father now remembers he speaks Japanese. Mother says that after two years of near silence he won't shut up. Fortunately this makes her happy!