Given that today marks the summer solstice, namely, the longest day of the year and beginning of the summer season in many cultures around the world, I couldn’t think of a better occasion to write up a Blog post.
As much as it is a time to rejoice in celebration, this day also offers a time for reflexion.
In spite of the obvious reasons of the significance of this day for the planet as a whole, today also happens to mark a special occasion in the life of a special man who passed away just a few months ago - mi abuelo Nicolás (my grandfather).
Indeed, today marks the 80th anniversary of his birth, and though he departed us shortly before celebrating it physically, I rest assured that he is smiling happily as all those who knew him take the time to remember him on this very special day.
It goes without saying that I would love for him to still be alive in order to see the pictures of my recent Shinto wedding ceremony and hear the news about him becoming a great-grandfather-to-be in a few months time. Nevertheless, I somehow know that perhaps that is something he (and my grandfather Santiago) found out long before anyone else did. In the midst of the Shinto priest’s chants in the ceremony, I remember clearly that the moment he repeated both of my families’ last names: “Gómez” and “Goroztieta”, I truly felt as though both of my grandfathers’ presence had decided to partake in the celebration.
Of all the occasions in which we had time to truly talk, it was the last time we saw each other back in Mexico City, which had the most profound impact in me. A month before graduating from university, the Japanese consulate in Vancouver had informed me that I had been accepted by the Fukui Board of Education to come work in Japan. At the time, I knew fully well that it was time for me to flow where the landscape of my life wanted to bring me. However, there was one last important thing I needed to do before boarding a plane to this side of the world - return to Mexico City.
It had been 2 years since I last stepped on the land I chose to be born in. At the time, I was unsure just how long it would be before I would be able to return to my motherland, and to this day I still don’t know. Thus, the purpose of the trip was simple: pay my respects to my grandparents and the land that nurtured me over the first half of my lifetime. There was no other reason for that trip. After visiting the pyramid of the sun and moon in Teotihuacan with my father early in the morning, we headed to see my grandparents. Although it was not explicitly stated, I know for a fact that my grandfather, Nicolás, knew fully well I had come to Mexico to say two things: arigatou & sayonara.
It was the only time I can recall to see him cry.
It was the only time I can recall to see him cry.
Of all my relatives, it was always him and my grandmother, Lourdes, who encouraged me to go to Asia. “Learn mandarin”, he often suggested, “the future belongs to those who can speak it”. Thus, with the support of my parents I ventured into China and saw the real Beijing and Shanghai halfway through my degree. In regards to Japan and the Japanese people, my grandfather always had nothing else to say other than express a great deal of admiration and respect. “Learn ALL that you can from their ways”, he told me that evening. “Your life will change in unimaginable ways”. He couldn’t have phrased it better.
I end this post with the last words of wisdom I heard Don Nicolás teach me:
"Ten hambre de sabiduría y frío de humildad".
"Vive por tí".
"Vive por tí".
Whether it was through your own mistakes or your diverse accomplishments, you taught me a great deal. You weren’t perfect, no teacher is, but in the end... it was thanks to you and the decisions you once made which helped me get to where I am today.
Rest assured I listened to you well.
I will always remember you.
I will always remember you.
Happy 80th Birthday!!!
Tu nieto mayor hoy y siempre,
- Iker
