One Year Gone

by | Nov 15, 2011 | Life | 9 comments

I’ve never been able to identify with the jokes about mother-in-laws because I was lucky enough to have Seiko Behr as mine.

Knowing Seiko was one of my life’s greatest gifts. She left us a year ago, but her spirit still inhabits every corner of our lives.

The thing I miss the most, the thing that causes the lump to rise in my throat each time I think of it, is the absolute joy in her eyes when the babies padded through her studio. No matter how busy she was, no matter what she was doing, Seiko would always stop to love them, to celebrate the small, unremarkable occasion of sharing that moment in time.

I can see her ferocious spirit in Alden. I can see her unvarnished joy in Kato. They knew her and she will always be a part of their lives, a figure in their distant memories. Her goodness and genius is forever knitted into their genes.

In this small, essential way, Behr/Swanson #3 will know her, too.

We miss you, Seiko. We love you and thank you for everything you gave us, and keep on giving us each day.

9 Comments

  1. Ming on 11.15.11 at 11:50 am

    :)

    Thank you Matthew.

  2. Joe Kestell on 11.15.11 at 12:18 pm

    Amen. Feel so lucky to have known and been inspired by her.

  3. April on 11.15.11 at 12:52 pm

    A rare, bright soul. Our hearts are with you.

  4. amy on 11.15.11 at 12:58 pm

    Sending you guys warmth and love on this difficult anniversary.

  5. Veronica on 11.15.11 at 1:29 pm

    Thank you Matthew.

  6. Cathy on 11.15.11 at 5:04 pm

    It still feels so strange that she is gone. I am so thankful to have known her. Hugs to all of you.

  7. jenifer on 11.16.11 at 10:02 am

    Beautiful, Matthew. My heart goes out to all of you especially today.

  8. Tom on 11.16.11 at 12:01 pm

    Well said Matthew.

  9. roji on 11.16.11 at 4:03 pm

    I love you Mom.