Published: May 10, 2008 10:55 pm            

Kameoka Corner 05-11-08

You may have seen the nice article in the NewsPress about 10 days or so ago about Hideyoshi Shigeta, the fourth child of the Shigeta family from Kameoka to graduate from OSU.

His entire family was present for his graduation and were recognized by Gov. Henry in his commencement address. There’s a couple here in Stillwater who have been the “American parents” for each of the Shigeta sons and daughters during their time at OSU. Their names are Gary and Becky Goetz and the relationship with the Shigeta family came about almost by accident.

More than a dozen years ago, Becky was talking with her neighbor across the street. While they were talking, Nancy Simpson from down the street came along walking her dog. She joined the conversation and said she was going to Japan as part of a summer class being taught by former OSU-K Professor David Major and said there were still openings for others.

Becky said she was taking OSU classes and would be interested in going and she did. When the group arrived in Kameoka, they were scheduled for homestays. Becky’s homestay family had to cancel at the last minute and the Shigeta family agreed to host her. Thus began a long and warm friendship.

Since that time, Gary and Becky have opened their home to the Shigeta siblings, Shino, Akari, Kuniyoshi and Hideyoshi. Each has stayed in Gary and Becky’s home for periods of time ranging from a single night to several months and Gary and Becky have visited in the Shigeta’s home in Kameoka.

Many weekends for more than a decade, Gary and Becky opened their home to whichever Shigeta son or daughter was here. The young people always knew they had a family that would be there for them if they had a problem or if they just wanted to talk to someone. The day of graduation they had a wonderful graduation dinner party for Hideyoshi.

Gary and Becky, you’ve touched the lives of these young people in marvelous ways and their lives will always be better because of your kindness. Thank you!! In closing, the Sister Cities Council wishes a happy Mothers’ Day to each mother in our community.

Larry Jones is a member of the Stillwater Sister Cities Council.

        

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