Somewhere around 2008 I was looking for a Japanese tutor. A friend at church suggested her sister in law, a Japanese woman named Reiko.
I began weekly lessons. I had no text book and being me, I did not study during th week, so I was not learning much. But I enjoyed the lessons and thought I was learning. We continued meeting for years.
In December 2013 Sharon died. I had a rough time for several months. One day when I went to Reiko’s for a lesson, without planning, I asked her to hold me for 5 minutes. That was a huge help – after that I calmed down and began to face my new life without Sharon.
The lessons continued – often at my house. We often went down to the Landing restaurant afterward for drinks and snacks – talking about many things. Over the next two and a half years we continued frequenting the Landing. We also did some day trips – cape Ann, Rockport, Nantucket, tried our hand at a golf driving range, did some shopping, attended her son’s middle school graduation, and more
Reiko. was my touch with humanity. She became ａvery important friend. I am forever grateful to her.
Reiko teaches Japanese at Tufts University, a Bostonhigh school, and a Japanese school in ght Boston area.
