The Japanese Mothers

I attended my son's kindergarten party today, although he's been sick for almost a week now the other mothers called me to say that he should at least attend the Farewell Party.
We came late as usual all his classmates and parents are already in the room and the teacher had started the program.
When my son entered the room I saw the excitement in the faces of his classmates, happy that he is present.
Because I was too busy with the lesson plans and taking care of my son I failed to make a message of 'Thanks' to the officers in the class.
These mothers are dedicated to hold meetings, organize activities etc.
One parent who thought of surprising these officers by giving them message albums said that since I didn't make any note for them I will be the presentor of the albums so I can thank them personally.
They were of great help to me since I am the only Filipina, the other foreign mother is a Thai and really is trying hard to learn the Japanese language I am so stubborn to insist that someone must translate everything in English for me.
Fortunately, one of the mothers is married to an American and she's been my translator ever since.

Upon presenting the message album, of course I thank them with all the patience and support and unending explanation of every meeting and announcements.
After handing the album I embraced each and everyone of them which is not common to Japanese culture. They are inexpressive and taught not to show emotion especially in public.
But the good thing is I taught them somehow to show love and affection to people.
Even the teacher hugged every mother and although they are hugging her back you can see that they are still feeling awkward.
One of the games is that we have a blanket and behind it were 4 mothers and the teacher.
Each one should show a hand thru the hole in the blanket and the students will guess who's hand is the teacher's.
We chose 5 students each batch and it was so amazing to see how the students know the teacher's hand.
When we pulled the curtain down to reveal whose hand is that the teacher burst into tears and so are the mothers too.
Quite emotional that everyone is crying coz every mother liked the teacher so much and the mothers are really closed to each other that we did a lot of lunch dates and night outs.
Well, it only proves that I can survive in a foreign land, understand the foreign language, adapt the foreign culture and give a part of me in each and every person I meet.