When I first met Okasan (mom), she didn't just bow, she jackknifed 90 degrees. Alarmed, I jackknifed too, prompting her to go even lower. Before I knew it, I was touching my toes. When I first met Obaasan (grandmother), even more of a traditionalist, she got on her hands and knees and touched her forehead to the floor. How could I get lower than that? Dig a hole? Distressing. Here we all are at the gate of the Nakamura house, just in front of the elaborate Japanese garden. |
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