Ramen Girl didn’t hesitate to come to California. She dreamed of reconnecting with her family. She did not think of the job. She focused on being near my family. It was her rules. Nothing else mattered. What she had to go through was right for her. It has become my guiding light. However, the story is meant to be set free. She got more than what she thought.
The hope was to get to know her mother again in adulthood. Take her to her favourite places. Get her something she loves. See her smile. Watch her laugh. Travel to a place with her. Discover something new with her. Show her how to practice yoga and meditation. Go on a walk with her and Finn. Fly to Japan with her to see her mom and visit her family. Take her to a museum. Take her to Hawaii. Take her to Paris. Take her to New York. Take her to a Japanese store. Take her shopping. Surprise her with coffee and share a pastry in the car. Go on a road trip with her.
Why? Perhaps because she saw my friends connect and be close to their moms in Ohio. Because she was seeing moms become ill and saw the impermanence of life. Because she saw her friends lose their mom to a devouring disease. Time is limited. She was gone for many years. She felt she lost connection sharing her journey with her living far away, not getting to see her regularly in Ohio. She couldn’t afford to fly home all the time on a college budget. She took three jobs to support herself. Studied hard to make the grades and complete school. That was then, this is now.
The reasons we have are boundless. It seems to become a reason to say “next time.” Let not the “next time” turn to regret. I wanted to stop creating reasons why I couldn’t see her. I made it happen. And we also learn about unrealistic expectations and the beauty of blossoming.
The hope. The reason. The action.
05.22.2021 Aiko Yonamine