In an earlier blog, I praised Old Man Jack for his forgiveness. It is not possible to write about what he did or saw out on the god-forsaken islands in the Pacific during World War II. Only he truly knew what was in his soul.
But in spite of his exposure to combat in that very personal and bitter war, Jack’s practice of forgiveness was his most important contribution to the healing of this world. The world we enjoy today. I truly believe that.
Old man Jack loved my kids – perhaps his warmth and the forgiveness in his heart will shine through.
Masako and Spam Musubi 
What a wonderful give you gave each other!
oops that should have said gift, what a wonderful gift you gave each other.
That darn spell check… grr… 🙂
I love your stories. So full of joy and love.
…and your stories make me smile and laugh they are so well written. 🙂 Thank you for stopping by.
Impossible not to love those kids. Look how happy and full of life they are! Beautiful, beautiful. As important as he was, he remains so. It’s lovely.
Thank you, seapunk2. Jack was an inspiration to me and my kids…
Hello Beautiful Ones!! 😀
It is hard to put into words, this thing – for I can sorta ‘see’ what you did for Jack. You gave him a family by opening your hearts up to him – despite your initial dread. I have sort of been in Jack’s shoes a time or two in my life. Long story short, I was sort of ‘adopted’ into a family in my early 20’s who taught me what ‘family’ meant (my own was very dysfunctional to say the least). One of those kids taught me I could be loved. Made a big difference in my life. It was the reason I married my wife – she came with 3 kids, just like my ‘adopted’ family did. (They ended up having a 4th, naming it after me. Poor child, LOL!)
And old men. I joined a Lodge full of old men when I was young – 17 (1977). IOOF. It had about 50 old guys 50-70 ys old. It was part of a study I was engaged in: learning from old men how to be happy when I got their age. I learned a LOT. The Lodge closed in 2005. LOL – it was part of my preparation for the pursuit of happiness in my life. And I buried a lot of my friends. The last died some years ago.
So – I know how much this must have meant to Jack to have your and his family as such close friends. To become family with him. For as I have learned through my life – family isn’t so much blood as the ties of love, and with whom you make them.
Thanks for your heartfelt comments once again, sir. I don’t know what I “did” for Jack. It was more of what Jack did for me, I think. But one thing I do know – I felt like I owed him something as an American. I sincerely believe everything we have today is due to people of the Greatest Generation like Jack… And your last comment is so true. Thank you.
This is an absolutely gorgeous post, just beautiful. I saw you reblogged Colleen’s drug etiquette thing. I had no idea she saw so much, riding!
These pictures are precious & choice. Beautiful.
Thank you, WordsFallFromMyEyes, for taking a looksie and for your kind comments.
I love reading Chatter Master’s short stories. She is so witty. 🙂
Reblogged this on Masako and Spam Musubi and commented:
Father’s Day is just around the corner. While we will be seeing my father who is now 95, I thought I’d selfishly reblog my own earlier story of Old Man Jack in honor of this Father’s Day…
This post made me tear up. What an honourable man. I am happy you & your family had a special relationship with him.
He was a good man, Ibara-san…
Koji – You are very fortunate to have had that kind of close, personal relationship with “Old Man Jack”. Too many of us rush through life and dson’t notice the person standing (or running) beside us. This kind of relationship is precious. I’m glad you had the chance.
Judy, your words and sentiments sent this way are truly appreciated. Thank you.
Great post for Father’s Day, Koji. –Curt
Thank you, Curt. I will think of your own good father tomorrow…
Each picture is a testimony to love and life. It is obvious that Jack loved and was very proud of your family and proud to be part of your family.
Thank you and my apologies for missing your kind comment. I just saw your tribute pictorial for George. That was Respect with a capital R.
Hey, Koji-san, long time no hear, man! I seem to recall you had a blog on the old TV series: ‘Combat’. got an old friend in the military who was reminiscing this and I thought I’d gift him with some of your stories. Can you help me with this please?