Dateline Boston –
• Get interviewed at parent cooperative preschool by a group of teachers and parents who conduct interview with tea and scones. Follow “suggestion” of Parent A to call in sick at current job so that a visit can be made to preschool you just interviewed at. Remember Parent A, as she made a big impression on you.
• Get hired, and teach at parent cooperative preschool for 15 years. Get to know families very well, including families who go back to Japan after living in Boston for a year or two.
• Visit Japan and stay at homes of former preschool members. Have the time of your life. Remember the visit fondly and talk about it often for the next 12 years.
• Keep in touch with Japanese families very sporadically, or not at all, for 12 years.
• Get email from Japanese dad saying that his daughter, whom you last saw when she was 8, was now 20 and a university student. She will be coming to Boston. Is there anywhere she can stay?
• Sign up to host daughter immediately.
• Receive phone call from Parent A who hired you and whom you have not seen in 15 years to coordinate activities with Japanese daughter. Feel like it was just yesterday you were talking and laughing together.
• See Japanese girl. Shriek and hug. Many times. See Parent A. Smile warmly and hug tightly.
• Host Japanese girl for 5 days. Show her around Boston. Learn about popular Japanese music. Ring in the new year. Enjoy dinner with girl and Parent A. Have the time of your lives. Feel like you have gained a new sister/daughter/friend.
10. Feel the spirit of family that spans years and countries. Be very grateful. Have a very happy new year.
