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

[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.

[notafossil]

I would certainly think she must be, if her leg has been in need of repair for so very long. It must be hard on her to endure that.

[atoberex]

It had healed, after a fashion. Just not optimally. The difference between walking with a cane and a severe limp vs not. But with my father having amnesia, she couldn't risk exposure.

[notafossil]

I see. It's shocking how much of a difference that will make for her. And I can completely understand her reluctance to have anything done with your father in such a state.

[atoberex]

The situation was such that she did not believe it was safe to reveal their identities and as for help to return to Japan.

[notafossil]

Oh my. I assume that's changed by now, then? At least for their sake. Am I correct in assuming by your phrasing that they feared someone was pursuing them?

[atoberex]

It has been dealt with. They did, but it wasn't as she had feared. However, considering that the amnesia had left my father forgetting even that he spoke Japanese, I can see now why she made that decision. They have both apologized profusely to me.

[notafossil]

At the time, it was the best option available to her. I'm very happy for you and your parents that your father has regained his memories, I'm sure that was as rough on him as it was on your mother. And the important thing is that they are alive and well, and home where they belong. Your family is quite blessed.

[atoberex]

I have always thought so, now I know for certain. Many thanks will be made at Obon, I assure you!

[notafossil]

I'll be sure to bring my camera to record what is likely to be the brightest body of water in Japan, then.