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Tuesday, September 30, 2008

The Old Couple

I recently posted an ad online to give away some things. A woman responded to one of the items I was giving away and came over to pick it up. I could tell by the expression on her face that she was moved by what I had given her. It felt good knowing it was going to a good home. Before she left I shared my blog with her and told her to check it out. This is a portion of the email that she sent to me after she read it.

Dear Kaoru,

In Japan, I had a friend who I called “Obasan,” which translated into English means “Aunty.” I met her at a church in Japan 15 years ago. She was about the same age as my mom. Her husband and she are two of the nicest people I had ever met in my life.

They were not rich, materially, by conventional way of thinking. They lived on their retirement from the government. She was a licenced cooking instructor of organic foods. Their house is a small wooden structure located not far from the railroad in the small town of Kasamatsu in the Gifu Prefecture.

Their daily philosophy in life is to open their house to whoever is sick, unhappy, lonely or hungry. Anyone who came to their house will always be welcome into it. She will feed them with one of her delicious organic homemade Japanese dishes.

She does not ask for donations, money or gifts in return. Her only wishes were for people to leave her house with a brighter spirit than when he or she entered it. Be happy and healthy and if you wanted to pay her back, do so by doing “good deeds” to other people who need help.

I met this couple when I was very sick at the local Japanese church. They helped me recover without the use of man-made medicine which I really didn’t like. I became healthy with natural food from organic ingredients, a lot of sunshine, meditation, flowers, smiles, prayers and best of all, their love for me.

I cannot describe them in a few short words. But if I could, it would be this. That if there are truly angels, the spirits will be like this old couple . . .

And I just would like to let you know that your messages and the kind thoughts and intentions behind them remind me of this inspiring old couple whom I love dearly.

Peace and happiness to you too . . .

J

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