October 13, 2019
Dear Marion,
I am so happy you are a part of this letter writing project. It has been a privilege and a joy to collaborate with you over the years, to learn from you and witness your power.
I remember—I will always remember—all of us sitting in my living room last Fall, after we learned about the theater vandalism, and your calming, nourishing presence. Your forthright reminder to stand up for justice in a difficult time held us in relief. Kept us going.
I remember recording an interview with you and Saburo many years ago, in your home, and learning about your experiences in camp for the first time.
I remember hearing you tell your story before all of those people at the Storytelling for Change event at the Fresno State Library—the story of you, as a young woman, discovering your voice. Each time you performed that story, the words come through with more and more ease, more and more power.
Being in community with you through the years has been healing for me. Each time I witness you stand for justice or tell about your life, I feel such hope. I feel, as well, grief for my own nisei grandparents, who died long ago, whose stories I seldom heard. Who I continue to write poems and letters to, even though they’ve passed on and cannot respond.
Though, perhaps they are responding. Perhaps I need to listen differently.
Marion, what has been on your mind these days? Your mind, your heart? Is there a story you’d like us know, one you haven’t told yet? Are there words and feelings, hopes, dreams you’d like to pass along to us, the sansei, yonsei, and gosei generations? How can we carry forward the legacy of your storytelling?
I’m honored you’re participating in this project. I look forward to reading your letter.
With love,
Brynn