Tuesday 8th November
You were five years old in 1990 when you began primary school in Australia; quite a difficult time, you did take a while to settle and feel comfortable in these new surroundings. You began with morning only sessions, and I would come and pick you up at lunchtime, then after a few months, you stayed at school all day, taking part in every activity.
Even in primary school, a foreign language was introduced, and as Japan was one of Australia’s largest trading partners, a rich cultural exchange existed within education. You loved nonsense sounds, and to you, the Japanese spoken word sounded funny and amusing.
Miss Fujiwara was your Japanese teacher, and you loved lessons with her. There was also a little girl in class called Nanako, from Japan too, who was quite shy and awkward, a little like you.
One of your tasks during the term was to learn the words of ‘Twinkle twinkle little star’, in Japanese. You were quite good at this, and learnt the rhyme off by heart.
Kira kira hikaru
きらきらひかる
Kira kira hikaru
おそらのほしよ
Osora no hoshi yo
まばたきしては
Mabataki shitewa
みんなをみてる
Minna o miteru
きらきらひかる
Kira kira hikaru
おそらのほしよ
Osora no hoshi yo
And you are my bright and twinkling star, up there beyond the clouds, close to the moon, flying gracefully with your Angel wings.
Such a sweet and innocent nursery rhyme that brings back memories of happy, family times. Watching you and your brother growing up, learning the ways of the world, making friends, having fun in a foreign, but oh so friendly country.
Fly high my Starman
Love you forever
Always have
Always will.
xxxxxx
The Journey of My Left Foot (whilst remembering my son) 
My children participated in Japanese cultural lessons as youngsters. In Tuscaloosa, AL-not far from our home- there was a JVC plant and our local university partnered with the plant to provide these lessons. They were charmed by the tea ceremony and the words as well. That’s a good memory. 🙂
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Ahhh, such a lovely story.
Japanese culture, traditions and beliefs are fascinating and inspire harmony.
Even stories of Samurai and Ninjas would spark Frank’s imagination.
Hope you are well.
x
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🌟🌟🌟💖💖💖 Lovely. Fly High, Starman
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✨✨✨👼✨✨✨
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Beautiful
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Thank you.
x
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Your welcome.
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x
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It’s remember these wonderful moments you shared with your son that makes losing him even more meaningful, although it still doesn’t get easier, but, it helps you alleviate the pains of losing him…
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Thank you for your kind message.
Much appreciated.
x
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A fond memory
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Thank you so much.
Frank did love this nursery rhyme, whether in English, Japanese, or being played on steel drums.
x
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I like this post-and hope you will consider another one like it too-I teach this song to my children. Have a lovely day!
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Thank you so much.
No matter what age, Frank loved children’s stories and nursery rhymes. He never tired of the simple innocence of childhood.
x
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then he and I had something in common. I still love the children’s classics myself-written so beautifully . I hope you will write more about him-I loved getting to know your special son.
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Thank you, and yes, I will continue to write about Frank.
Most kind of you.
x
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❤ love twinkle twinkle. Sang it all the time to my daughter when she was a baby.
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It is such a simple, happy, smiling rhyme. So easy to remember and recite.
One of our favourites too.
x
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