This article is also available in: 日本語
Hi, it’s Jeff.
I flew to Syracuse, New York in the beginning of October to help Mizuki to set things up for the upcoming 1-year research.
We are extremely lucky to meet many great people and received incredible supports from our new friends in Syracuse.
I had stayed in Syracuse for about a week then I flew back to Japan by myself, leaving Mizuki alone.
Most people we met in the U.S. were shocked when they found that I was only in the U.S. for a week.
Mizuki told me last night that one of her new friends told her that when a husband and a wife start living separately, they are getting ready for a divorce.
That is 100% not our case. We just got married this year and it is way too early to talk about divorce.
It is actually a struggle for me to leave Mizuki.
1. I worry that Mizuki’s life may be much inconvenient without me standing by her side.
Syracuse is a very pretty and old city. The downtown was very accessible but Syracuse University is on a hill. Although Syracuse is one of the first schools that promote higher education for people with disabilities in the U.S. and it devotes itself at making itself as much accessible as possible. However, it is difficult to beat nature, which is the hills and snow.
2. Long distance relationship is difficult to maintain.
Mizuki and I ha been in a long term relationship for 4 years before we started living together. It was difficult to manage the time difference. It was also hard when we need each other by our sides but we are actually standing on 2 ends of the world.
Although leaving Mizuki for a year is s struggle for me, I still decided to leave her for many reasons.
1. Risk Management
It is highly risky for both of us to quit our full time jobs at the same time. Although Mizuki’s research is sponsored by a Japanese corporation but the fund is not enough for 2 people’s daily expenses.
I want to keep our finance source more stable.
2. Mizuki’s Right to Fully Experience Her New Adventure
With me by her side, Mizuki may not be able to challenge her limit compared to when I am right next to her. She may leave most of the social networking work to me and stay quiet. (She does not like to speak English in front of me because she said she is too shy to speak English in front of me.)
Mizuki also has very special gifts, which are her brave heart and beautiful smile. These gifts give people around her courage and inspiration. Without me, she will be able to spread more love and courage to more people.
Leaving Mizuki alone for a year is surely a struggle for me.
However, my worries will not justify to take her right to experience the unknown side of herself and the world.
Enjoy this year fully.
Work hard and play hard.
I will see you soon in a year.
<<< Announcement >>>
The Big Smile Gathering in October is on 24th-Oct-2015, Saturday morning in Japan Time.
Anyone who is interested in Moon Rider 7 Project is welcome to join this online session.
The topic this time is “What’s New”.
Do not worry about your English proficiency. Let’s get together on Google Hangouts and have fun!
Mizuki will be sharing the latest information of people with disabilities she found in the States. Do not miss this out!
Event Detail:
Date and Time: 24-Oct-2015 (Saturday) 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM (Japan Standard Time)
Place: Google Hangouts (Online) – Please set up your Google Hangouts environment in advance. If you are accessing from a Mac or a PC, please visit https://hangouts.google.com/ at the time.
Seats: 6 This event is open to everyone to apply.
We send a confirmation email to you 2 days before the event.
Sign up at: http://goo.gl/forms/vWeXE4Pl5E
Any questions? Feel free to contact us anytime!