August 27, 1979

"Dear Teri:

We were real proud of you Thursday morning when you went through that gate with Kim. When were you a little girl? We can't remember. It seems you just grew up so fast and into a lovely young lady. Thursday was very quiet for all of us but I'm sure it was filled with many anxious moments for you. We can't wait to share your experiences from reading your letters. I didn't work the rest of the day and recieved the most pleasant surprise when your flowers came. They were beautiful; 12 rosebuds, daisies & baby's breath. You can imagine the emotion felt. Your thought was so appreciated. Teri - you're thousands of miles away- but remember that it's only distance. We will always be together in mind and spirit. Remember always that we love you. You are going to gain so much this next year.  Be happy and enjoy every experience. The sacrifice we have to make in being separated is well worth all the knowledge, education you will glean from Japan. Then, too, and I sincerely mean it - you have a lot to offer. I may never have said it to you - but Heaven knows how many times I repeated that you're everything idealistically in a teen-ager. I enjoyed you. It was a pleasure. Teri - stay as good and sweet as you are. I'm proud and so is dad that you've been a good girl and you can be sure the rest of the family is too. Now that we've given you a swelled head, we'll try to bring you up to date.

Thursday afternoon Romana and Lisa came over for a long visit. It was good. They were cheerful. Aunt Irene, Uncle Joe, Aunt Hilda, Uncle Johnny, Grandma, Aunt Frances & Rosie came over to see the flowers you sent us.

Ralphie's (my younger brother by 1 year) been  practising since Thursday. He feels much better now. Saturday we went shopping. He got three new pairs of jeans & three shirts. He called Lisa in your absence to get approval. He said, "If Teri calls, tell her I miss her." Last night he went with Wisniewski's to the farm and returned this afternoon. Then he mowed Ciotti's lawn and went up to the Club afterwards.

Vince (my older brother by 5 years, now deceased) finally got his car to the races this weekend. He didn't win but he said the car ran good. He was so thrilled that he wanted to run it once more before returning to school. He no sooner got home that JB, AF and TB pulled in to bring furniture down to the apartment. So tonight he's down to State College unloading furniture. He's coming home tomorrow morning & going back Friday the 31st to register & returning home until school starts the 4th of September.

Dad went to the Wilkes-Barre market with Mike. I stayed home but we'll be going to Jamestown in a couple of weeks. I'm really looking forward to that. Ralphie will be staying with Aunt Irene & Uncle Joe.

I haven't seen any of the kids since you left. I did see Lisa again. Romana and she were at the Acme shopping.

Well, Teri, it looks like I've pretty much covered everything to date. Oh, I talked to Ann (my older sister by 10 years) and Andy (her husband) today and they were so impressed with your letter. In fact I had to call her back because she wanted your address. She plans on making cookies & sending you a letter. Her in-laws were there and you might guess they had the most beautiful day. They were taking pictures of the house and they plan to send you a couple shots. Incidentally, I have the slides and I'll be sending them out this week. They are beautiful. I've taken pictures of your gift of flowers so you can see how really beautiful they are.

Teri, can't wait to hear from you. Remember we all love you very much and are happy that you have this opportunity. God Bless you and give our regards to Mrs. & Mrs. Yoshio Inoue.

Love,
Mom - Dad & Ralphie & Vince"

This letter was written on scented stationary. It smells exactly the same as it did then.

Also, an important note --- she dated every letter; thanks mom.