It is amazing.

I never thought I would be here, both in the sense that I never thought I would face separation and its presumed grief – but now, having reached it, I never thought I would realize that beyond grief was something so much greater.

I have come to realize that in the battle of unrequited love, the indefatigable shield of disinterest cannot be overcome, and yet my weapons of affection, compassion, and sacrifice continue to fire, never ceasing.

I’m starting out 2026 in a very different place than I was in 2025.

After 23 years of prioritizing someone else, it is time to redefine myself.

Timing: Summer/Fall 2026.

Details at puppies.nick.org.

I recently took a look through my blog and was brought back in time. I’ve been writing here since 2002 - that’s 23 years of documenting my life, thoughts, and journey.

I didn’t deliver exactly this, but I think I hit most of the points.

Your mom and I are permanently separating.

We are still a family, but your parents are no longer married.

Your mom is moving to Japan after Jerry's Birthday.

We are still a family.

Our love in our family hasn't changed.

It's just that your mom and I are free from the bond of marriage.

You can visit your mom any time you want.

She's giving up her green card, but she can visit too.

I know you don't think this, but to be clear, this isn't your fault or related
to you kids at all.

The proof that our marriage mattered in the world, and our love was real, is
you - our children.

Jerry, the boy who surprised us - and Momo, a "gift of love", from your
mother to me.

Your mom wants to find herself, and we can all support her in that.

The love you have shown me has always been steady,
and I feel it deeply.

Even without trying to remember,
the days we spent together as a family
are always in my heart,
and I thought that was simply everyday life.

Thinking of leaving this neighborhood, this home,
and all the familiar things inside,
brings tears to my eyes.
It moves me so much,
and I realize now for the first time
how much I truly loved it all.

Then I asked myself:
"It is alright for me to stay here.  Do I want to change?"
After reflecting for a while,
my heart quietly answered: I want to change.

I want to step into a new environment
and try something different.
There is no one but you
who would kindly accept such a wish of mine.

Nick, you are my dearest person,
the irreplaceable one who brought Jerry and Momoko into my life.
To keep that always close in my memory,
I have decided to go somewhere
just a little apart from here.

Your spouse,
Eriko

P.S.
I think I don't like the word "wife" ;p