My Firstborn's 24th~

My oldest child's 24th birthday, Ischin- "One Heart"!
He's now the age I was when I came to Japan with two children.

But it was cool tonight, I was hanging out and talking with our friend, housemate Matt-chan. He's in the photo behind my three older kids (also in the photo is Ischin's girlfriend Kahori to his right.21 year old Naomi is to Ischin's left,, and to her left is Sheon, 18).


Matt-chan told me tonight, he always gets energy from my kids. That was so cool! The first explanation I must admit I thought of- wanting to attribute that to, was that I tried hard to birth those kids respectfully. Not only their birthing, but, as I told Matt-chan, I breastfed them, and respected that they didn't want to stop until they did. I didn't make them stop breastfeeding until they were ready to stop. Those two things, along with a "family bed" where we all slept together until they wanted to move out, was what seemed very important for them and me. I think their being given that respect allowed them to move on when they were ready. They could "grow up" when they were ready. Also with the schooling- I sort of realized tonight too- they went to school when they were ready. As a result... those things greatly, and positively influenced their "passage" into society in this 21st century generation .


It's funny. People have said "You must be proud". I kind of interpret that as "proud of myself"- as their mother. It's a statement I'm trying to figure out. I can't say I take credit for more than having birthed as I did and raising them as we did- "pride" in that ... Ok, that's where I can take pride. Otherwise, what they have made of their lives is their doing. I just keep loving them. I can't take credit for any more. I just am SO happy they chose US to be their parents!! And we could have them in OUR lives!!!


(This photo of Naomi and Zen is from when Naomi visited California over the holidays... SOON Zen will be visiting Japan!)