Deborah!

I met Deborah in Tokyo way back when, just as I was transferring from the Japanese school to the American School. She was my first "American" friend after having been so Japanese in my mind/identity. I lucked out though; although with blond hair and hazel eyes, she grew up in Japan and spoke Japanese. Without her, I would have shriveled up in fear going to the American School. But with her, I had an ally.

We were great together. Total tomboys, carefree, giggling, making up our own games. I know in some of the awkward beginning high school years, we drifted apart as we searched different social groups. But later on, we rekindled our bond when we volunteered to be the set-up crew for the famous "Miyake-jima week" junior high students went through. It was good 'ol Deborah and Mie again.

We've walked various different paths since, but every once in a while we touch base, and even get to see each other (last time was in Tokyo). She is a professor at Whitman College now. I think she totally enjoyed San Francisco, and I'm secretly hoping she'll consider doing her sabbatical here! Boy, the things we would do!! Thanks Deborah for being such a cool friend!