Changing Hawaii
By Diane Yukihiro Chang
Friday, May 10, 1996
That's what the descendants of Hanako Ozawa got recently, when they celebrated her 88th birthday. Her correspondence to them - penned in Japanese but translated into English - was only two pages long but reflected nearly a century of living.
It was sent to me by her son Walter, director of the state Office of Veteran Services. Explained Walt, "The Ozawas recently had a family reunion and honored Mom on her birthday. She surprised us all with a wonderful letter. As Mother's Day approaches, I thought I would share it with you."
You'll be glad he did. Not only is it Hanako Ozawa's legacy to her children, but it's a message that they will never forget.
She wrote about her marriage to Gijo Ozawa in Japan in 1931 and their move to Hawaii that same year. She recounted their arrival at Zenshuji Temple in the former Wahiawa Camp on Kauai, where her husband eventually become head minister. The couple had six children: Ted, Donald, Gordon, Clara and Leslie - and Walter, who was born at the Tule Lake relocation camp in California.
"As a man of religion, as a humanist, as a gentleman, your father was truly admirable, highly respected by the Japanese and non-Japanese communities," read her letter. "Even you children were held up as models by parents who admonished their youngsters with, 'Look at Reverend Ozawa's children!' But our 43 years devoted to our temple and congregation were far too busy for patience and loving words for you, my own offspring, and my heart cries out for understanding and forgiveness.LONG after the Mother's Day flowers wilt and the chocolate candy is worn on the hips, a written remembrance from mom would still be treasured as a time capsule of memories."Yet, you all gather here to celebrate my 88th birthday. I am filled with gratitude and happiness, for the 88th birthday is an especially revered and felicitous Japanese celebration. When your father died, you all encouraged me to live a long and healthy life, and I have endeavored to carry out that wish with your support . . .
"You have all grown into fine, upstanding citizens, contributing in your various ways to society. And you have been a pillar of strength since your father died 22 years ago. In my heart, I will always be grateful . . .
"May the blessings of good health, good fortune and peace bring continued happiness to you, who have always been the treasures of my life." (signed) Hanako Ozawa, March 30, 1996.
Mommies of the world, here's your chance to say what you've never quite gotten around to putting down on paper. Maybe it's historical data that needs to be passed down through the generations, or maybe it's a simple but heartfelt message of self-congratulation for raising such wonderful (well, most of the time) kids.
Happy Mother's Day, and a belated happy birthday, Mrs. Ozawa. Thanks for taking the time and effort to write what you wanted your children and their children and their children to remember always. It's a priceless gift that costs nothing but a thimbleful of ink and maybe a few tears.