This island, floating between the China Sea and the Pacific Ocean, has become a part of me. I have had some unforgettable experiences and learned many lessons. I have developed relationships with some wonderful people. I have learned to call this little apartment home. I drive on the left side of the road (most of the time). I wait for the automatic doors on restaurants and stores to open for me so I can enter. I am wondering what it will be like for me when I come home again.

When I first arrived in Japan, several people commented on how fast I talk. One new friend compared me to a humming bird always fluttering around. He saw me as always on the go and in a hurry. I gave his comments some serious thought. The rat race had done this to me. The fast pace of the American way that I had lived in for so many, many years taught me that time is of the essence. To keep pace in my world, to stay ahead of the competition, to make the almighty dollar, you had better move fast and always be on top of what you are doing.

I have always been a person who drives fast, not over the speed limit, but at least at the limit. I didn't realize how much time I tried to save on the roads so I could get to a meeting or a presentation and save a few minutes. I didn't want t to waste valuable time on the road that I could use to do other productive things I needed to be doing. I hurried through the grocery store and the gas station and the bank and every errand that I didn't see as a productive part of my life.

I really had little patience for lines and hated waiting for my turn to get done what it was I needed to get done. I would leave a restaurant rather than wait 15 minutes for a table. I usually made a reservation if I thought a restaurant was going to be crowded. I can't begin to tell you how frustrated I would get if something happened to my computer so it took more than a second or two to get a program on-line. I could feel the anger well up inside of me if I had to listen to all the phone messages that tell you to push 1 for this or 2 for that or being put on hold. I would just hang up.

Holidays became a major chore for me. Everything had to be perfect. The right decorations had to be put up all over the house and the best dishes and silver came out. By the time my family and friends would come to celebrate I would be too exhausted to enjoy the time.

The people of this island have taught me many things. You have no choice but to learn these lessons. You have to slow down (listen - Real Audio). The fastest speed limit on this island is about 36 miles an hour. The Okinawans have vending machines along their streets. You never know when you are going to come around a corner on a two-lane road and find a car stopped right in the road while the driver is getting a drink or a pack of cigarettes out of a vending machine. When you come upon such a situation there is nothing to be done but stop behind the car and wait. No one here is in a hurry.

You never hear a car horn because blowing your horn is considered impolite. Drivers will stop and let you in front of them if they see your blinker on. I was so shocked the first time this happened to me. Now I see it as a way of life. We all still get to where we are going in good time.

When you shop for food or other goods you wait at the check out as the clerk carefully wraps each and every one of your purchases and gently puts them in a bag that is tied or stapled together. There is no way you are going to rush this process; it is the custom here.

It is impossible for me to make reservations at a restaurant because I don't speak Japanese. Some of the best food on this island is found in very popular restaurants. That is why they are so popular because they have such great food. When you show up at the restaurant the employees' faces light up like they are so glad to see you. They all rush to the door to greet you with big smiles and low bows. How can you not wait for a table when you feel so welcomed? They weren't responding to me in this way for a tip because there is no tipping in Okinawa.

I rarely call anymore to get information or follow up on something I need to do. I go to the place of business and see the people in person. The language barrier becomes easier to overcome when you are there in person with your Japanese/English dictionary. This little chore doesn't take any longer than being put on hold. I had no choice, but I have discovered that it can be a wonderful experience to meet new people in their place of business and a real thrill when you communicate with them. Somehow I seem to get everything done that I was in such a rush to do before.

I love the way the Okinawan people celebrate holidays. There seems to be a celebration ever few weeks. They dance in the parks and on the streets. They celebrate life, old age, the full moon, children and even the spirit of their ancestors. The young and old are all there together with their drums and musical instruments.

I have watched the people in their fields as they plant and grow the sugar cane, and the men in my village as they have planted flowers along the roadside. They work with focus and purpose and grace and never seem to be in a hurry. They seem to take the time to be in that moment whatever they are doing.

The Japanese are a gentle people. Imagine the impact on your life if every time you passed someone you took the time to turn to them and face them and bow to them. What respect and grace you would show to your fellowman. In reality it only takes a few seconds out of your life but what a difference it makes.

I have learned from these people that passion for living, like beauty is not something we do but something we are. It's an attitude, a way of thinking, a feeling deep down inside. It a way of living that combines mind, body and spirit in a celebration for every moment.

I know my heart will soar when I come home again. I can't wait to see Madelyn's sweet smile and touch Zachary's soft, baby skin. I long to hold Michael Anthony in my arms and hear him call me Rudie and wait with great excitement for the birth of my fourth grandchild. I can't wait to lunch again with so many good friends and enjoy long quiet dinners with the family. I just hope I bring the passion and beauty for life that I have found on this island with me when I return. The joy of living that comes from celebrating everyday and every moment of the day with focus and wonder.