Dear My Mother

I really respect my mother because she understands everything about me. I think I resemble my mother in character. She is brave, our-going, optimistic, and she does not conform to any stereotype.

Four years ago, as soon as I decided to go to France for one year to learn French, I consulted with her about going there. She answered "yes"very quickly. If I were her, I would hesitate to answer because it was my first time going abroad. And then she said to me "It's your life. You have freedom. It's you that must decide everything. You should not ruin your life."I was really moved by her speech.

After I came back to Japan, I tried to seek jobs as long as I could use French, however I could not get that kind of job.Then, I changed how I thought. I wanted to learn English also, because if I could speak English and French, I could choose many jobs in Japan or abroad. Then, I asked my mother again."Can I go to Canada for one year?"The moment I asked her, she answered yes again quickly. I think she is really a broad-minded person. She said to me"When I was young, I could not do something I liked because my mother and father died early. So, I want you not to feel regret for something in your life. You have a dream and will. Where there's a will, there's a way."

That why I came to Canada to study English, and I can concentrate on studying it. However, on the other hand, I want to be dutiful to my mother because she is rather old. Sometimes, the moment I see women around her age, I am deeply distreseed.

Finally, I believe that deciding my career firmly is filial piety to my mother even if I live in Japan or abroad. I love her with all my heart !

Yuko WATANABE