Happy Mother's Day MA!

Dear Ma,

Happy Mother's Day.  I don't think I can truly express to you how blessed I am to have you as my mother.  Ever since I could remember, you have been my number one cheerleader, my inspirational coach, my hug factory, my motivational speaker, and my tell it like it is-- even if it makes me cry girlfriend!  I think you're amazing, I think you're beautiful, and I think I have been blessed with one of the world's best moms. Thank You. 

I don't think I have ever met anyone so devoted to taking care of their children like you!  (My friends can probably attest to this as well)  I pray that one day I will be such a mother.  Thank you for always encouraging me to reach as far as I can, to have faith in others and myself, to always pray, to always prepare for a rainy day, to always take the time to acknowledge blessings from God, and to always LIVE my life. 

As I embark on a new adventure here in Tokyo, all of your lessons ring deep in my thoughts.   While I am uncertain of many things,  I am surprisingly calm and at peace.  It's because after speaking with you, I knew that I would be okay and things would work out here-- thanks for believing in me and for praying for me!

I am sorry I could not return home to deliver this letter to you in person and to give you a big HUG, but I know that you understand.  Me & WS think you're the BEST!  I Love you ma!

Your loving daughter,

--Takara

PS-- Now it's time for you get a hobby and stop worrying about me in Japan all of the time :)!!!-- (I know that's not possible... but try)