Rebekka Shoji
Message from Rebekka Shoji-Kodama:
When I close my eyes, I see a big brown eagle looming over me. The eagle is strong, proud, with sharp, focused eyes, circling over and over me. My Aunt Loretta is the eagle watching over me as I think about her.
Whenever my Aunt Loretta, my Aunt Jo, and my mom would get together, they brought so much joy and happiness to my mom. I rarely see my mom talk so loud and so long with anyone but with her sisters. She loved them so much.
My mom would tell me stories of her beautiful sister Loretta with alabaster skin, dark jet hair, striking eyes, who could sing beautifully. Her physical attributes were enviable but equally impressive was her photographic brain.
My Aunt Loretta was also kind and welcoming. When I was a teenager, she asked me if I wanted to stay the summer at their house because she thought I would enjoy it. The opportunity of staying the summer in Hawaii sounded fantastic. I knew she would take good care of me.
I always enjoyed visiting my Aunt Loretta and Uncle in Maui because they were a lot of fun. They would take us shopping and yummy restaurants. I never had escargo (snails) in my life so they took my mom and I to a fancy French restaurant so I could enjoy the finer things in life.
I looked up to my Aunt Loretta because she exuded confidence, intelligence, and business sense. When she showed me her factory and several clothing stores, I never appreciated her accomplishments because I saw her as my “nice” Aunty. She was always kind to me and that’s what stood out.
For many years, my Aunt Loretta and Uncle would make their way to California to visit my mom. Those times were so precious and dear to my mom. She loved being with her sister and talking non-stop.
My mom speaks with such tenderness when she talks about her older sister, my Aunt Loretta. She feels very grateful to have her as a sister.
When my mom moved to California, times were tough. My mom was struggling financially but wouldn’t tell anyone. Out of the blue, my Aunt Loretta would give her money. How did my Aunt Loretta know? My Aunt Loretta knew instinctively because of their strong connection. She was always there for my mom.
Every Christmas, we would get presents from Maui. It was always exciting to see the latest fashion trend that my Aunt Loretta selected for us.
My Aunt Loretta will always be remembered deeply in my soul for her kindness and thoughtfulness. I believe she is watching over all of us – spreading her strong wings, wrapping us with her warmth, and giving us some strength.