Yukiko Yanagi

Len and Family,

Please accept our condolences.

I remember your mother very well. You and I went to a basketball game downtown when we were in high school. Before the game we to the El Dorado Bowl. You bowled and I played pinball. I let the cat of the bag when your Mom picked us up and I mentioned you had bowled. If I remember right you, your Mom had told you no more bowling. I think you got grounded after that.

Best to you and your family.

Remember running into Mrs. Yanagi now and then when we were shopping. She always greeted us with a smile. Always so kind even the first time I met her. It was the first day of fourth grade, Mrs. Budeslich's class, at Jackson School. She noticed me because Donald and I were probably the only two Japanese children in the class. She introduced me to Donald so we wouldn't be so afraid of the first day of school and have each other for company. So sorry for your loss, Donald. Our...

I have never met Mrs. Yanagi, but I was just thinking about her a couple of days ago. I got the urge to try to make some inari sushi so I got out one of the old church community cookbooks. As I was flipping through its pages, I remembered that in years past I would look for recipes submitted by "Yuki Yanagi" because they were always delicious. I'm very sorry to hear that Mrs. Yanagi has passed. She leaves the cookbook community with many wonderful recipes, and I'm sure she leaves her family...

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.