In loving memory of my dear Uncle Masa,
Life goes by too fast and the aunties and uncles are leaving us one by one. I can't believe it's only you and Aunty Mitchan left of the Yamauchi's, but now it's his turn to say goodbye. We both took it for granted that he was going to live a long life, by seeing how young he looked. If I didn't know him, I would have thought he was a visitor, or volunteer helper at Keiro Intermediate Boyle Heights. I was hoping he would hurry and I could help him write his story. 

I feel fortunate and happy to have spent quality time with weekly visits taking him out and having lunch, going shopping and cruise to Santa Monica Beach. As he get's in the car he'd say to me, I feel like I'm leaving prison as we drove out of the parking lot. I suppose staying there 24/7/365 days a year and not leaving the facility much would make you feel this way. I also knew how happy they felt having visitors and taking them out was important in their life. It can be quite a lonely feeling as I would be stopped by other residents telling me their feelings.

I'm glad everyone was nice to him and even put up with with him when he was having a bad temper day. Being his niece and knowing first hand how he can be It was hard for me visiting him on his bad day and had to give us a time out from each other. In any case I met many people there as he was very proud to introduce me as his niece. Knowing his daily activity was to go outside and sit in the front as people were visiting and leaving he would meet and greet many. It was as though he was the Mayor at Keiro. This place became his paradise. It was where his heart was. He had great care, delicious meals, took art and writing classes and most of all being able to stay active. He lived like a king there. Most of the time he had the room he was staying to himself.  I heard he wasn't always being so kind to his fellow roommates and they wanted to be in another room. I suppose that's one way of having a private room. Uncle you're too smart.

Deep inside he had a kind heart. He's touched so many hearts. Even children he's never met or seen before. Reading their thank you letters touched my heart. What a wonderful man he was. It makes me proud to be his niece, seeing he was a giver. 

Being the youngest child, and very smart, uncle had a mind of his own and spoke what was on his mind without sugarcoating anything. The staff agreed with me on this. I would often be apologetic if uncle was speaking without thinking and hurting anyones feelings. Luckily for him, the staff has thick skin, unlike me I needed a timeout. Uncle you are truly a rare one of a kind who lived a tough life being the youngest. I'm glad at the end you were happy to be in a place called paradise. Your passing away was a shock to everyone, and thinking about it, I wasn't accepting of the your news. Although we always want what's best for you, God Blessed you without having to suffer or be in pain. Aloha 'Oe... Until we meet again. You will always be missed and never forgotten. Loving you in Spirit, Your Niece Carolyn