Foreward by Bob Crabb
If there is such a thing as destiny, then mine was to meet an extraordinary young woman named Ritsuko.
In November of 1974, Ritsuko and I were each on separate life paths on which marriage was not even a consideration for the foreseeable future. But then one evening, at the insistence of a couple of friends, we each went to a party that neither of us really wanted to attend. It would have been easy for one or both of us to refuse the invitation, but instead, we both went, and there we met. Soon afterward, we began dating. Our relationship developed very quickly after that, and we were married in April 1975.
Fast forward to the year 2025. That was the year that both of us turned 75, and it was the year when we celebrated being married for 50 years. As if all that wasn't enough for 2025, it was also the year that Ritsuko decided that she would like to begin to share with the public some of the stories of her remarkable life. Since many of her stories are based on events that I either witnessed or was a part of, I vowed to do what I could in helping her to succeed in that endeavor. I thought that the best way in which I could help would be to develop this website which she could use in presenting her stories to whomever was interested in reading.
I have learned over the past few decades, through trial and many errors, not to assume or second guess what is on Ritsuko's mind. So, as I was fussing about with the bits and bytes of making this coded contraption function as a proper website, I asked her if she had a theme in mind.
"Yes! I will call it my bilingual and multi cultural life!"
Of course! That certainly made sense.
I have always been fascinated and deeply respectful of the way that she is able to move in and out of two languages, her native Japanese and her second language, English. Likewise she has, with great enthusiasm and joy, assimilated into American culture and lifestyle, both personally and professionally, while maintaining the essence of her Japanese culture and values as the foundation of who she is.
Having listened for many years to Ritsuko telling humorous and insightful stories about her life experiences, I look forward to reading what will come forth from her beautifully creative mind.
Ritsuko will be writing new content as her memories and ideas manifest themselves into words, so please check back frequently for new content.
Thank you for visiting Ritsuko's website,
Bob Crabb
