kids

Letters to My Wife: New Book out in Japanese

My new book is out in Japanese and English, dedicated to my wife of 11 years. I decided what better way to honor her than to write a letter to her every weekend and publish a book in her honor in Japanese and Engish. Available for purchase here:

The title of the book is:

照れくさい手紙が嫌いな妻へ: 52通の、ありがとう

To My Wife Who Hates Embarassing Letters: 52 Letters of Thanks

本の紹介:

妻との11年目の結婚生活へ向けての1年間、毎週土曜日に妻へ手紙を書くことにした。本作は、妻と子と、神に対するあふれんばかりの感謝を込めた52通の手紙を収めたものである。それぞれの手紙は11年の結婚生活を記念して11文で構成されている。妻をどれだけ愛しているか、妻に対してどう感じているのか、彼の気持ちを彼女に伝えるのに、あと10年待ってからでは遅すぎる。彼は書いた。手紙は夫婦の絆を深めうるということに彼は気付いたのだ。手紙を書くことで、彼の心に彼女が広がり、感謝の気持ちが湧いてくる。週末ごとに、彼はそんな特別な方法で夫婦として繋がることができた。まだ小さくて活発な、二人の男の子(7歳のジョンと4歳のマックス)の共働きの親として、お互いに自分の時間の確保が難しい日々。彼が土曜日の朝に書き続けたこの手紙は、苦楽を共にしてくれた妻へ感謝を表すと共に、妻が彼にとってどれだけ特別な存在か再確認する機会となった。絵理子は彼の愛する妻であり、友人であり、同僚でもある。

After 10 years of marriage, I decided to write a letter to my wife each Saturday of the week for an entire year. This was the start of 52 letters to my wife. Each letter is composed of 11 sentences to commemorate 11 years of marriage. The letters touch upon themes of family, faith, and children. I simply wanted to express how I felt about my wife and I did not want to wait another 10 years to tell her how much I love her. I learned that a simple letter could strengthen our relationship further. I could express my feelings more intimately. It allowed her access into my heart and feel appreciated. We were able to connect each weekend as a married couple in a special way. As the busy parents of two young, energetic boys (John aged 7 and Max aged 4), we often do not have time for ourselves let alone each other. My Saturday morning letter writing ritual gave me an opportunity to express my gratitude and carve out a space to let the person who has been by my side through ups and downs know how special she is to me. I am truly blessed to have a loving wife and friend and confidant. Sending you 52 letters with love.

 

Posted by reimanko in Children, Family, Writing, 0 comments

A Letter From My Son

So I asked my son to write a letter today about any topic and addressed to anyone. Here’s what he chose to write below: “Dear God, thank you for food, water, and health. Help us humans help people. Even, the people we don’t like. Amen.” He is 7 years old and gives me hope for the future.  What letter would you write today and to whom?

 

 

 

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Rocking Burkinabe Masks in Response to COVID

What better way to promote health, diversity, and creative arts than making custom masks. We used fabric we bought in Burkina Faso, West Africa to make masks for the family. So far the family loves wearing them. What custom masks are you wearing/making these days? Would love to see what unique and creative designs are out there.

Posted by reimanko in Family, 0 comments

Saint Nicholas and Holiday Cheer

The tradition of Santa Claus comes from Saint Nicholas an early Christian Bishop from Turkey during the Roman Empire. His legendary habit of secret gift-giving, particularly to poor children gave rise to our modern day Santa Claus. Wherever you may be, our family wishes you a merry Christmas and happy holidays!

 

Posted by reimanko in Family, 3 comments

Silliness

I am constantly reminded by my son what it’s like to be silly and a kid. Do you remember those days? Funny how we forget that when we become adults. We become so serious. Goofy gets more laughs than cool. What do you think? Hope this photo puts a smile to your face and makes you remember what matters most in life – faith, family, and love.

 

Posted by reimanko in Children, 0 comments

Conquer One Monkey Bar at a Time Says My Son

This is how you move your #butt! Early and often and with #purpose. If a 4 year old can pick himself up after falling 5 times, we can get up and conquer the #monkeybars in our #life.
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Posted by reimanko in Family, Quotes, 0 comments

Brotherly Love Sweetened with Ice cream and Mochi

Brothers sharing Korean shaved ice cream with red beans and mochi at Soricha Tea and Theater. Does life get better than this? Yum. All smiles on a Friday. You can’t go wrong with kids, mochi and ice cream.

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What do kids of Diplomats do When stuck?

Someone asked me this question recently: what do kids of diplomats do when stuck? Answer: same thing as what their parents frequently do: they ask for help!

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