Old Folks’ Day is a mid-September holiday now officially called Respect for the Aged Day, or 敬老の日, “Keirō no hi.” Someone had the idea for the holiday in 1947 and it soon spread all across Japan. It was celebrated this week and apparently Japanese media features elderly people, talks about the oldest people in the country and about how the population age spread is generally advancing. I’ve been thinking about the respected aged in my family lately as my grandmother’s husband, Bill, (above) passed away recently. 
At the time my parents were already in California with the other respected aged in my family—my dad’s parents (below). Doesn’t everyone look happy in these pictures from Hannie and Justin’s wedding? 
…except in this last one where everyone was wondering where Luke & Co. were…I like how no one is smiling.
Just Like San Diego
Kayak across the Pacific Ocean
Roadkill and a Wildlife Refuge
Safe Haven
Respect for the elderly seems to be something Japan has a better grasp on than us. By the way, the final picture didn't show up. Maybe it's just my computer…