Elspeth, my daughter’s mother in law, was a very elegant and sweet lady. When I visited London she greeted me with a short welcome speech in Japanese! Her thoughtfulness to make my self at home thousands of miles from home touched me deeply. After treating me with a delicious lunch she cooked for me she took me to the East Finchley Festival held at Cherry Tree Wood. How she could not move 10 meters without exchange greetings with her neighbors impressed me and learned she was loved by the community as well. There was a funny memory I share with her from this short visit. She mentioned that there is some “fruits” when we go home. Now, if you know some Japanese people you may have noticed we have hard time distinguishing between the sound of “R” and “L”. I mistook “fruits” for “flute”, and wondered when she or her neighbors will take out the brass instrument and start entertaining me. When we finally found out about the misunderstanding we laughed and laughed till our stomach got cramps and we fell off the chair. She visited us in Japan, too. We took a road trip around the largest peninsula, she crossed the longest suspension bridge in Japan walking without hesitation. We also walked up the long and winding pilgrimage road to the Buddhist’s Mecca secluded behind the valleys and hills. It showed her determination and toughness hidden behind her elegant appearance. She also enjoyed picking up souvenirs for Lily, her other grand daughter in London (back then Phoebe and Hollie were not Bourn yet) , walking in the Japanese shopping mall with John, with their arms around each other’s shoulders. It was a lovely sight. I am very sorry such a wonderful lady had to leave our world so soon. However I am looking forward to having a conversation with her without the language barrier and laugh to our hearts content when I see her next time. Eiko Yamao