Ochazuke
Absolutely Honest
By Mario G Reyes
Friday, February 20, 2009

By Mario G. Reyes

I lost quite a few close friends this past year.
Now, not even two months into the new year and three more friends have passed on. Because of this, I have become more conscious of how connected we really are to one another.

I think the word “urgency” best de­scribes my state of mind lately. Urgent in that I have a need to share more time with my family and friends, and make the time.

During my tenure here at the Rafu, I have been the recipient of many dear friendships, people who have accepted me with open arms, people who have influenced and nurtured and taught me. They have left and continue to leave a rich legacy through their actions and their families.

I am very honored to have them as part of my extended family.

This past week­end while looking through some of my old photo im­ages, I came across this one I had taken in my back yard years ago.
What caught my eye was the way the petals of the bud hugged one another giving sup­port and strength—independent but whole.

A metaphor for life.

But life, at best, is absolutely hon­est.

When it is your time... it is time.

Make the time.

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Mario G. Reyes is photo editor for The Rafu Shimpo. He can be reached at mreyes@rafu.com. Ochazuke is a staff-written column. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of The Rafu Shimpo.