Damn!, Bro. That story read in one smooth, non-stop setting, like a hot knife cutting butter. Well done! Impressive! Not only the story, but the writing. What flow you have! I want the movie rights. I knew, when your wife said ***************, that she was ****************. Then I read further to confirm my suspicions. That is the film director in me. You won't want to see a movie with me. Boring! I'm forever predicting what's going to happen next. LOL.

I can see that essay as a nice short story of your memoirs for sale and publication. Do it, Man! You'll get paid. No doubt!

 

Thanks for bringing me up to date on your life in Japan. Truly fascinating! Even as your big brother, I can learn from your experiences.

 

Holla.

 

Mal

Hi Darrell,

Wow, I am absolutely speechless! You have been on a wild "E" ticket ride to say the least.  I mean your story reads like an intriguing novel.  I appreciate your candor in your writing, your heart felt honesty about everything that occurred.  It's just amazing, all that you went through during this period.

 

And Motomi, although things didn't turn out in the end, I think she is a beautiful woman and I'm talking about her inner beauty.  Her outside beauty is obvious.  I always wondered why you didn't mention her that much.  So will you two continue to stay legally married for awhile? 

 

Living in Savannah sounds like a definite change of pace for you.  But, like you said, Savannah chose you and God has placed you were you need to be for now.  I think you will do well there.  Interesting that you have walked a path similar to your father's.  I remember you told me he was a businessman, "never got his hands dirty" and always looked polished.  He also traveled, and you remembered his briefcase. Yes, I was listening when you would talk to me :)  And now, you are starting your life in his hometown.  I believe he is proud of you.  Do you still wear your father's ring?

 

Oh, I remember your aunt Clementine.  We went to her house once or twice in Granada Hills.  I actually meant to ask you about her, if she still lives there.  I totally remember her face and would know her if I ran into her.

 

Well, I need to get going for work.  Of course there is so much more to talk about.  Thanks for updating me on everything.

 

Jack

Darrell:

 

Wow, I didn't realize that things were so complicated.  It's good that you were able to write about it.  Writing yourself into wholeness is a very powerful thing.  I hope that you are able to learn from each experience and do better the next time around.  Thank you for sharing.   

 

Why didn't you say something earlier? 

 

From the perspective of someone that worked with you I would say that on the outside you put up a very good front.  I had no idea that you were incurring these losses. You never let anyone know what was really happening.  I'm sure you had your reasons but at the same time I think people would have understood you better if they had known what was happening behind the scenes (even as their Manager).

Even with my own interactions with you I felt that you were condescending at times. You showed that you had the upper hand and you weren‚t always approachable. In some ways, it seemed as though you felt that you were better than everyone around you. It showed by your words and how you addressed people. Although I may have been offended at times, I didn‚t take it personally otherwise I wouldn‚t have held my "sayonara" party at Savannah House or kept in touch with you. I‚m telling you these things because I know that you are truly NOT like that. I feel that you are a good person who is capable of great things.

I must say that working at Savannah was a great experience for me. I met a lot of wonderful people whom I still keep in contact with. I loved being there the atmosphere was great and I miss it! I‚m really sorry that you had to let it go, even Wisdom 21, it was a beautiful school. Despite our ups and downs I‚m glad that we can still keep in contact ˆ I definitely have learned from you.

I hope that you will dedicate this year to new beginnings. I wish you all the best and keep in touch.

 

-Dolly

Hi Nephew,

Your year 2007 chronicle was like reading a novel.  If I were a movie producer I would have you expand on the contents (add a little non-truth and a few exciting episodes) and come up with a good script.  

Seriously, you have been through hell the last few years.  I am amazed that you were able to maintain  your sanity.  I hope 2008 will bring you a lot of success. 

Take care, Leroy

Oh my Dear God,

I have been wondering how things have been going for you, Bro.

I can't imagine Japan being without you. I never knew things had gotten so terrible for you.  I had always believed that with the way you had designed and set up W21 that its uniqueness would keep it going for years. 

Bro, it is my sincere belief that Almighty God did not permit this to happen, at this time, for nothing.  With the experience you have doing business, speaking the language and all that you have done over here in Japan, you are now too valuable to not use what you know.  Could you please contact the Million More Movement Local Organizig Committees in Georgia.  Please talk to them about the international trade and commerce wing of the Movement.  You can be instrumental in helping forge relations (business [importing/exporting Black-owned goods and products and vice versa], educational, cultural, etc.) with Japan.   We have need of their expertise  in certain areas and they DEFINITELY need us, whether they know it or not. 

Muniqui Muhammad

Consider The Time...

Dear Darrell,

First of all, thank you very much for sharing your story. As we all know, everybody has one. I was so overwhelmed hearing your past few years in Japan but you made it. God was with you definitely. I wish I could talk with you on the phone one of these days. That is easier for me rather than email you. I let Mark read your email and he was also moved by your story. When you get the chance, please give us a call.  It would be nice to hear your voice again after almost 9 years. Yes, it's been that long since I left Osaka. May 5th will be my 9th year here in the US. Take care and hope to hear from you soon!

Sincerely,

JJ

Dear Darrell, may I send your story to NewsWeek Magazine?  You have lived more in 17 years than most of us do in 170 years. Have you ever considered writing a book? Your experiences, your success, your travels, and your marriage, your debt, but most importantly, your strength, faith, and hope for a better today and tomorrow is empowering. You really should consider writing. As I read your story, I was moved by your voice and style, your humor, and your honesty.       Debbie Siglar

This is an absolutely beautiful story, full of wisdom and insight..I would suggest you also begin to write stories about your relationships, encounters, and experiences in Japan. 

Kathy

Dear Darrell,  

 Until reading your moving story, I had no understanding of the tremendous struggles and difficulties you were going through. I saw (and am awed by) your fantastic talent and skill at creating an innovative learning environment that successfully blended culture and language with class--and cared about people. I felt it the minute I first walked in the door and you graciously gave me a listening ear--and some of your magazines--you gave me gold:-)  Thank you so much for sharing your story.

Please tell us more about your new adventures in Savannah.   Miss your "Sauannah!"

For sure let's get together on your next trip back!

Susan

Hey darrell, what a marvelous read. i throughly enjoyed it, and have come away understanding you a little better, you really can write.  Continue keeping a blog and someday you will have the makings for a novel, autobiographical or not.

Omar Boone