A Cemetery Visit

Beginning of May was Golden Week for everyone in Japan. What kind of holiday did you have? I went to visit our family grave on my mother’s side during the holidays. I would like to share what I felt by learning more about my roots.

I visited for the first time in three years. For some reason, I felt I had to go there at this specific time, so I made a plan.

I drove with my cousins, talking about various memories of our childhood.

Do you remember these things? No way, was that how it was? It was like fitting together the pieces of a puzzle of memories.

We arrived at the destination in no time and called our aunt who was not able to come with us this time.

She seemed very surprised when I reported that we were now visiting the cemetery.

We had forgotten that it was the birthday of our grandmother who has passed away many years ago!

I am sure she was guiding us to visit on that specific day, somehow.

My aunt shared with us several stories about how our grandmother was from a family that valued education and careers.

My grandmother was a teacher, so I knew she was passionate about education.

However, when I heard the episodes of how she used the education she received to build her career, it made me realize how strong she was as a woman of her time.

I realized that part of my passion for human resource development and coaching, as well as my passion for my career, has its roots here.

It was a good trip that made me reaffirm my mission and furthermore, to promise myself that I will continue to build a solid foundation for myself.

Where and how have your roots led you to where you are today?

I wish you all a week full of smiles!