Start Writing a Diary

Today is Christmas, December 25, 2024. Soma, you were born on September 28, 2020, and you are now 4 years old. From when you were about 3 months old until you moved to America, you spent almost every weekend with us, staying for two nights, playing, going to church, and spending time together. Those are wonderful memories.

You moved to America on May 20, 2023, and now you live in Arizona. This year, from August 7 to August 20, 2024, you came to Japan with your mother, and we had a great time together. I wonder how much of it you remember. You call us "Jichan" and Baba."

I've been keeping a diary for about 40 years, and while it may not be of much use to you, I'm rewriting it for you. Here we go.

I used to hate reading books. Throughout elementary, middle, and high school, I never enjoyed it. But recently, I’ve had a change of heart. It seems I’ve discovered a newfound love for books. Reading makes me feel like I’m learning something new, giving me a sense of accomplishment. Maybe it’s a common misconception among new readers.

Now, I’m thinking about starting a diary. The last time I wrote one was probably in elementary school. I hope this diary will last a lifetime, but can I really keep it up?

I'm rewriting it for my blog. Congratulations to me—I've kept it up for around 40 years!

In my nearly 19 years of life, there’s hardly any record of my journey. Just a few photos in an album. So, my past exists only in my mind. Some memories are clear, while others need a trigger to resurface. Even the things I remember now will likely fade with time.

I find it hard to remember even recent events. Just today, at a party with my wife, we decided that I would hold onto her valuables—her phone and wallet. When it was time to leave, we both searched the venue, wondering where we had left the wallet and phone. All the while, I was holding the bag that contained them.

Therefore, I’ve decided that the best way to write this diary is to include my memories. So, let’s begin.

Here’s my family as it stands now:
Grandfather: Born in November 1920, currently 67 years old
Grandmother: Born in December 1921, currently 66 years old
Father: Born in December 1943, 45 years old
Mother: Born in April 1946, 42 years old
Me: Born in March 1969, 18 years old
Brother: Born in November 1970, 17 years old