Month: April 2023

While our books contain Japanese cultural aspects, it is made for elderly of all races and ethnicities. One beautiful example of this was when our volunteer Marisela interviewed her mother Maria Camberos, a thyroid cancer survivor. Marisela’s son joined the process of filling out the book, and they all spoke in both Spanish and English.

They heard about Maria’s story growing up in a Mexican village and coming to the U.S. as a young bride where she eventually raised four college graduates with her husband. It took tremendous perseverance.

Marisela commented, “I thought I knew all of her stories, but she surprised me with a few I’d never heard before,” said Marisela. “I wanted my son to hear them from her while we still have her.” Using the book, Marisela’s family was able to learn the inspiring story of their loving Maria.

Many seniors, as they grow older, feel more lonely. Socializing, making new friends, and strengthening old friendships can be especially difficult.

Edlyn Yoshida, a senior who is a recent heart recipient, was more quiet about sharing her life story when she first sat down with volunteer Kari . However, using the prompts in the book, Kari was able to get Edlyn to warm up.

“Edlyn began opening up more and more to each question and the flood gates opened!” By the time they finished the book, hours and hours had flown by, and Kari and Edlyn had deeply strengthened their friendship and bond – something both of them did not expect. When questioned, Kari wrote that although she already knew Edlyn prior to “talking story,” the “book gave me the opportunity to learn so much more about Edlyn’s life.”