November 30, 2007

Granddaddy

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My daddy passed away on November 20, 2007. He was 81. He was a good daddy and grandaddy, an inventor, a storyteller, and, at one time, a soldier. He never said much about his days as a soldier in WWII. I read recently that his regiment liberated over 80 concentration camps. I also recently learned that he had been awarded the Bronze Star twice. I chose this picture to post to honor him and those who fought in WWII. Here he is at 20 years old with some buddies in Paris. He is on the left. He was fortunate to go on to have a good long life.

Not many pictures were taken of him over the years. A picture of him in the porch swing telling tales would have been a nice way to honor him, too. He is missed.

I returned to Tokyo on November 28th. I will start posting again after the new year. Until then, look back through the archives for seasonal posts.

9 comments:

Gina Black said...

Annie, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. How proud you must be of the good he did during the war. Maybe sometime you will share your father's stories.

Ruth said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. It seems inadequate, but there's nothing else to say.

Jennifer said...

I'm so sorry.

Susan said...

Annie, Thank you for telling us about your father, a "good daddy and grandaddy." We read about so much bad in the world that it is healing to read about a good man who served others in so many ways.

My thoughts are with you.
Susan

Marjorie said...

Annie, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. How true that in hindsight, sometimes we wish we'd captured the "ordinary" moments on camera - but they are the ones that will always remain with us, whether we have an actual photograoh or not.

Annie Donwerth Chikamatsu said...

Thank you for your comments, condolences, and support for HTJ. I'm neither here nor there lately so I may not post until after the new year. Find joy in the holidays! I know I will. Somewhere in small moments and memories.
Annie

Dana Leeds said...

This is actually the first post I've read on your blog. I, too, am sorry for your loss. But, thank you for sharing about this great man. And, for posting that incredible photo.

Vicky said...

I too am sorry for your loss. Reading your post, I could feel the pride and love you had for you very good Daddy. May he live on in your heart forever.

I hope you managed to have a peaceful Christmas, and that you will regain your balance in the new year.

Ganbatte, ne!

Kris Bordessa said...

Annie, I'm so sorry to read about your father's passing. He sounds like a wonderful man.