On Armed Forces Network radio, iconic American newscaster/commentator Paul Harvey often says "Wash your ears out with this" before delivering a pleasant piece of news. I wonder if it is possible to "wash your eyes out" in the same manner. I'm quite tired of the diatribes in The Japan Times recently about how not to write a letter to the editor.
Last Friday I was riding my bicycle to the station shortly after 6 a.m. A Japanese man smiled and said "Ohayo gozaimasu." I replied and he asked in Japanese, "Do you have a minute?"
"Sure" I answered.
"My father knows you very well. He always says you are a very polite and nice person."
"Oh?"
"Yes, he used to own the hardware store here," he said, pointing to a noodle shop.
"Of course I remember him. How is he?"
"He's just great. He's 88 now and in the best of health. I just wanted to say something to you so that I could go home and tell him I talked to you."
What a wonderful way to start a day. I felt good all day. It is so nice to know that, in this day of the ubiquitous cell phone, there still are people who know how to communicate pleasantly.
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