Wednesday, September 12, 1979

Dear Teri:

Just thought I would start your letter here at work and put down some of my thoughts and complete it at home tonight.

I talked to Mrs T and she gave me S's address. This isn't her permanent address as she is trying to get into the International Youth Center. She is having a little difficulty communicating as everyone there speaks Chinese so she is going to have to learn fast. Mrs. T plans to drop you a note. She is very pleased to learn you will be taking piano lessons. Ralph had his first lesson Monday night. LB started last night. Ralph said he is going to practice hard. I think there's going to be a little competition and he down't want anyone to have anything on him. Well, maybe this is good. For whatever reason, he will practice more. I hope JP made contact with you. I'm really anxious to find out your reaction when he does call you. Incidentally, please let me know what in particular you would like sent to you by the Japanese visitors who plan to be here October 11 and 12. Of course, it could never be as large a package as the suitcase we just sent over. But, in any case, we will try to accomodate you. The information along with the application for Hotchkiss and scholarship was sent to you in the suitcase. If you want me to do anything about it, let me know. I'm anxious to learn about school and how you're getting along. We're sure it will be an experience.

I distributed your birthday cards and everyone was overwhelmed. They were really interesting and it was appreciated. Uncle Joe really liked the reference you made to him.

I was so happy when I got home from work and found your letter with the pictures. They are really great. Teri, you certainly have seen a lot and been to many places before reaching your final destination. Your host father really looks good. He's very young looking. We really enjoy your letters and now the pictures. Teri, do you mind my lecturing - after all, 9000 miles isn't that far away when your thought waves move. Do you think you should be so obvious when you're at a Japanese meal and don't like the food. My concern is they might think you're not respectful and resent the fact you're not making an attempt to at least try. I remember JW mentioning in her letter that if you didn't like something, try it the second time. You may acquire a taste for it. Teri do you understand what I am trying to impress upon you. Who knows- you probably have taken the problem in hand and I am not aware of it. Fill me in

We went to Grandma's and Grandpa's tonite. We ready your letter and Grandma appreciates your sending your picture to her. Linda Fratarcangelo was there and we showed her the pictures too. Teri, why is Brian coming to Miyazaki and how are you going to arrange to see him. Do you have the approval of your host parents? That is required, isn't it. I'm sure you show the the propoer respect by asking and accepting advice. I'm doing a lot of lecturing but I'm sure you are taking care of things propoerly. It's only a parents' concern when there is so much apprehension. You should understand that by now. How is school? And piano? What arrangements have you made? Keep us informed. We talked to Ann Marie tonite for her birthday. She's 26 today. I can remember when she was 15 and helping take care of you and Ralph. She's gone a long way from 15. I wonder where 26 will bring you. We love you very much Teri and wish you everything good. Take good care of yourself and keep praying. Linda said she can't wait to talk to you when you get home because you'll have so many interesting things to relate. She really feels you are so fortunate.

Well, love from Dad, Vince and Ralph and anxiously waiting to hear in your next letter. Give our regards to Mr. and Mrs. Inoue.

Love,
Mom & Dad

Reading her letters, it hits me that her style is a bit formal and stiff. I guess that's how she communicated in person as well. She was never chummy in her language and tone. Always, always in control and polished. I don't know how she kept it up.

Stationary: Heritage House Motor Inn
Sunday, September 9, 1979

Dearest Teri:

I'm writing this letter on our way home from the furniture market. It's a little bumpy so please excuse the writing. When we get home, we'll be packing your winter clothes so John P will bring it with him from I.R. to Tokyo. Then he'll have it mailed or brought over to you from the I.R. Tokyo office. In any case he will be calling you to let you know.

By this time you must have your feet pretty much on the ground and getting adjusted. Teri, like we told you, it will be difficult but with prayer and keeping busy, the homesickness will be eased and to repeat what you said, you can't afford to give up this experience. Don't worry, we're all praying for you. You'll make it. We have a lot of confidence in you. OK, now Teri, enough of the sob stuff. Let's get you updated. Your letters 1, 2 & 3 were great reading. I'm saving them. You're a great writer. Who knows you may want to write a book. Interesting enough! I brought the Rotary Club letter to Mr. R. Was that for the newspaper? He asked if you saw Heidi. Did you see her at orientation? Vince came home Friday nite. He went to Mr. Morris, N.Y. to race his car Sat. nite. He stayed overnite and racing again today. I hope we get home in time ot see him before he returns to school. Vince was up to 135 pounds. He's gained 20 pounds in once month. He sure needed it.

Jayvees played Towanda Thurs. nite. Sayre won. Varsity beat Towanda too. Ralph and Steve were busy last week building a fort in back of W's. Guess what! Ralph, Steve & JP got poison ivy. He's really been itchy. Hope its better by the time we get home. He stayed with Aunt Irene last night. That doesn't set too good with him. He'd rather stay home alone. I think now you  must realize that we really mean well even though you thought some of our ideas are strange. I know you are fully aware of how much our children mean to us despite you term are old fashioned ideas. We love and care for you. Last Friday was Aunt Hilda's birthday. Mary did my nails. Grandma & Grandpa were really pleased that you mentioned them in all your letters. They have been busy with harvesting the garden and are doing pretty good. They wish you a lot of good luck. Mr. D asked about you last week. He loves Japan & the people. He feels this is a great opportunity. We know that.

I just asked Dad if there's anything he'd like to add. He misses your piano playing. He even misses arguing with you. He really misses you. I think fathers are close their daughters. Ann called Friday nite. She was on her way to Hanover. Can you believe I was upset because she hadn't written to you yet but I guess she was busy with the house. She said it really looks like home now. It doesn't look like the same place. She often speaks of the time you spent with her. She really enjoyed you. Well, maybe next summer you might want to visit again & do more. I'll leve off now and maybe there might be some news I'll want to add when I get home.

Your things are all packed. Lisa got you the Cover stick for your eyes. The slides are in the suitcase- also candy- choc. chips ahoy cookies - Seventeen - Japanese books - and I also enclosed the mail you got from Hotchkiss. Don't forget- as soon as you are through with the winter clothers, you can return them the same way. I'll give you instructions. John P has the key to the suitcase and I am sure he will let you know how it's going to reach you. Hope you enjoy everything. Vince got home last night around 9:00 pm. He came in 7 out of 44. His car ran good. He thinks they held him back. It was an experience. Teri- we love you- Take care- God bless you-

Mom, Dad, Vince, Ralph

Vince was diabetic and was always very thin. Gaining weight was a good thing for him.