“What part do I get?“
Nicole asks as she realizes we are joining forces.
I need for you to look up Japan and find out what you would like to do there. It is a whole country with lots of things to do. Remember when we went to Disney? You made a list of your first things to do? That is what I want to see. “Ok Nenna, this is going to be soo fun. I love it! Japan is my favorite.”
Trenton returns to the table in the days to follow. “I am learning to speak Japanese. I downloaded the App on my phone. We will need to know the language so we can talk to people there, and if we get lost, we can ask directions.” Sometimes I cannot wrap my head around the fact that this kid is only ten years old.
“Akihabara is what I really want to do! It is the Anime capital of the world! I can show you the pictures.”
And in Nicoles world, “I need to ask for a fork, because chop sticks are too hard to use. And I found a toy machine, that gives you surprises, and I can keep them for my collection. Nenna, did you find a house for us to live in at Japan?”
“They are called Gachapon Nicole, everybody knows that. I am learning Japanese, and you should too if you want to talk over there.” Nicoles style does not always resonate with Trenton’s idea of responsibility.
Amber has been searching for sensory safe ideas. Nicoles Autism always takes a front seat in our plans. She has explored airport issues, activities that calm in hectic days. “so, Akihabara is Tokyo. The peace memorial is in Hiroshima.
“What’s the peace memorial?” Trenton’s thirst for knowledge interrupts. “Oh, I read about that. It looks cool to go there. Yeah, I can do that.”
“We can end in Kyoto. Where it is calmer and adds deeper cultural value to the trip.” Amber continues.
“Mom, you will need to check with your doctors about climbing Mt. Fugi with COPD; and how it will effect your Leukemia. We need to know that you can do this safely. We will plan to have a guide as well. What are our options if you or Nicole cannot make it to the summit?”
Pappy “I don’t think I am going to even try to climb Mt. Fugi. There is a lake at the bottom, maybe I will just go fishing. If you have time, check into the laws on fishing. There is a giant Gundam in Japan, I don’t know where, but that would be Nice.” “Godzilla.” He adds quietly from under the rim of his baseball cap. Instant eye roll across the table.
Trenton can’t resist the vision of a giant transformer. “OMG, how big is it? does it move? can we ride in it?” Nicole “Is it really alive? I don’t think I want to do that.” I was immediately stuck on heavy machinery, if it malfunctions, excavators my worst enemy joins the thoughts. “Nicole I am definitely with you on that one!”
The Concerns show up in the meantime.
I sip my coffee as I watch the vision of Japan move into their realities, my reports are not connecting on the same level as the rest of the committee.
Their plans stumble as I reroute the dream back to the planet Earth.
Chapter 4:
“What No Sumo Wrestling?!?”