Recursive Words

My eldest daughter arrived home from Japan this evening – a bucket-list trip she has been saving towards for several years. Given her struggles with anxiety, I’m so proud of her for making the trip, and proving to herself that she can stand on her own two feet and “do all the things”.

We promised to meet her at London Heathrow on her return, and true to our word, we were the first people she set eyes upon after clearing arrivals.

I love the arrivals halls at airports. I’ve never forgotten the opening and closing titles of the movie “Love Actually”. There’s something about the anticipation, and the joy of re-connecting with loved ones. In a world that’s often chaotic, messy, and unforgiving, it’s worth remembering that the simplest moments can often mean the most.

The journey home was filled with all manner of stories of adventures in and around Kyoto and Tokyo – of city walks, sushi bars, kimono fittings, shops filled with kawaii plushies, and visits to Onsen – hot spring bathing houses.

After getting home she fished all manner of thoughtful mementos from her bags, and handed them out. The toothy grins around the lounge spoke volumes.

On a side note, I dare you to watch the following video without falling to pieces:

Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go get some tissues – because of course I had to watch it too.

If you’re wondering about the title of the post, I received a Gojira keyring and wall hanging – which will take pride of place in the background of tomorrow’s conference calls.