November 3, 2019
Tokyo, Japan
I have the day off—Yusuke rescues me from the depraved alleys of Shinjuku. We drive away from the ocean of asphalt—teeming with bodies and commerce to the seaside town of Hayama.
Just a few days ago, I watched my dog JoJo pass away on FaceTime. My heart is shattered—I’m homesick, and this tour, this season of life is suffocating me.
As I cross the threshold into Yusuke’s home, I shed my shoes and my burdens—I enter the day. Children greet me with art and smiles. Immediately, I am on the floor, in their world. My own kids are grown, and my true joy has become being Uncle Mike to the children of my friends.
The language barrier opens other pathways—we communicate with our eyes, the sound of our voices—our hearts. Should we skateboard? I hadn’t thought of it—but yes, of course, we should.
Into the street we go, like Christmas Morning—everything feels new, exciting. What to do with this thing, this skateboard? Just play.
Something I did way back when gets me in the door. Who I am right here and now is all that matters.
Lunch is served and then I’m back on the floor with the kids.
We hike down to the beach for the ceremony of the sunset. We sit on the rocks as the light of day gives way to the coming night. Twilight spreads across Sagami Bay. Touched by the sublime, we walk back to the house.
Today’s dinner is spaghetti. I do a celebratory dance. The kids laugh—we all laugh.
After dinner, I play some more with the kids, then I sit out on the balcony under the waxing crescent moon. I’m grateful for Yusuke and Hiroko and their hospitality and friendship.
I say goodbye to the kids—Yusuke puts me on a train back to Shinjuku. Back to the band, the tour, the circus. I sit studying my reflection across from me in the train window. I feel rejuvenated and determined to get through it—to be the best version of myself.
My phone vibrates with a text from Yusuke. His son, Yuma, is sad and crying because I left—I’m filled with emotion too. This day has been an island—the best day ever that I didn’t spend with my own family. I’ll never forget it.
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