If we're friends you've probably heard of me talking about my childhood friends. Especially the Disparte's. Our fathers were both in the military together and served on Kadena Air Base. We lived in Chibana housing in Okinawa. The parents were Frank and Carol. Together they had 8 great kids! We lived diagonally from them. Our house was the first house on the right and theirs was the last house on the left. We were always there at their house and vice versa. A lot of times we would jump on the trampoline in their back yard, go biking around the neighborhood, or watch Dragon Ball Z. In fact, it was their youngest son, Colin, who introduced us to DBZ.
Colin was two years younger than me, but we got along much better than his older siblings. I think it's because we had more in common. We all loved being outside, playing outside, collecting DBZ cards, playing with DBZ figures, and playing video games. Our two families got along great as well because their 8 children each found a friend in one of us. My older brother got along with the three older brothers and my older sister got along with their older sister. I mostly played with the younger three, as Kali wasn't born yet. This consisted of Colin, April, and Audra.
Our families did everything together. We went on beach trips, to restaurants, to the movies, and camping together. No matter what we did it was always fun. I remember when Colin had surgery my brother and I kept him company by watching TV with him. This is the only time I remember him not playing outside and it was because he was too sore.
Now my heart aches because last month he was diagnosed with covid. Then last night he passed away. I know we haven't talked in some time, but I still remember the kindness and friendship he showed me all those years ago. Even after we moved back to the states it was Colin who kept in touch with me and sent me DBZ cards. I remember going with him and his younger sister dozens of times to the Japanese store for DBZ cards. I remember he was the one who pointed out that one of them was a peel-off, a card on top of another card. He was one of my best friends.
The last time I saw him was when we were teenagers. I was shy then and so was he so we didn't say a lot to one another. We were friends on Facebook and Instagram so every once in a while we would comment on one another's posts, but I still loved him and his family. As a kid I was used to seeing them every day and so it was hard when my dad was forced to retire. Not only did I lose my childhood friends, but we also had to move to the states...
Even now as an adult I think of all the fun I had in Japan with their family. I still collect DBZ cards, action figures, and other anime. It was the happiest time of my childhood. Therefore, I'm thankful for Colin and his family ❤ They really were my second home while we lived in Japan.
I'm sorry we fell out of touch, Colin. I can't help but cry because you were an awesome person, friend, and I know your family love you and will miss you. 💔 Audra came up with a plan for people to call a number to leave a voicemail so you could hear it... I wasn't ever brave enough so I'll post my thoughts hear. I love you, Colin. Soar high and keep on skating ❤
July 24th
I keep thinking to myself that you're going to beat this. You're going to be strong and stubborn like Vegeta. Maybe go super saiyan and burst from the hospital room, off the ventilator... please pull through...
August 5th
I keep thinking of what I would like to say to you... I'm sorry I haven't talked to you before now. I wish I could go back and change it. I wish I had told you how much you and your sisters meant to me. How grateful I am for your friendships in Japan! I remember bike riding with you guys, the trips to the beach, watching dragon ball z together... those are the best memories from my childhood. So thank you. Through social media I'm able to stay in contact with you and see what you post... all I have ever wanted for you and for your family is to be healthy and happy. You have each impacted my life so much. So again thank you. My family and I love you and have been continuously praying that you will beat this and stay healthy. I hope you hear this message and it reminds you that you are loved beyond measure and that you have the strength to beat this. I love you. My family loves you. Keep fighting.
And today
"Tell me this is a mistake," she said to the darkness. There was no answer, "How am I supposed to go on living? The world will never be the same. How do I live in a world where he doesn't exist?"
For a brief second she thought she saw him in the glass window. She turned around and saw him standing before her, "As long as you remember me I am never truly gone. I will always be with you right here," he said as he pointed to his heart.
"I love you so much," she said.
"And I will always love you," he replied. "Don't be sad. You may not see me but I am forever by your side." She saw him vanish before her eyes and she began to cry. She held her hand by her heart and heard him say "I am forever with you".
This reminder brought a smile to her face. "I'll never forget you," she said. She took one last look around the hospital room before walking away. "I will carry you forever in my heart until we meet again."
Before we moved to the states baby Kali was born.
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| Carol with her kids; Koral, Frank, Quinn, Eric, Colin, April, Audra, Kali |
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| Colin and Eric at Brian's birthday party |
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| Soar high and keep skating |
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| I hope you're skating on Heaven's rails |
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| August 23, 1986 - August 9, 2021 Miss you, Colin |
