"... About 41 yrs. ago, around 14 yrs. of age, I lived in Fremont, Ohio and ate at Frisch's Big Boy weekly with my parents. I grabbed a Big Boy comic book one day and read it cover to cover.  I joined the "Big Boy Club" to receive special offers and also was intrigued by the Pen Pal Column.  There were names and addresses of people my age looking for pen pals.  Shinko Sako, a girl close to my age from Japan, stood out.  My father, a postal worker, encouraged me to write her and see what happens.  Shank immediately wrote back and we have been corresponding through letters and emails ever since!

I am now 55.  She is 56.  We have, through our letters, enjoyed sharing many experiences such as high school, graduations, our weddings, traveling, our children growing up, and most recently, her grandchildren being born.  We occasionally exchange gifts. Shinko's married name is Shinko Arakawa. Both of us have been married since 1984, had two children and have 10 yr. old dogs! It's been so interesting reading about her Japanese customs.  She struggles with speaking English but her sons have helped her with her grammar in the letters.  More recently, she found an app that translates emails to me from Japanese to English.

A few months ago, Eiji, her 24 yr. old son urged her to travel with him to the United States to meet me. I was ecstatic when she told me. Since they only have 5 days here, we agreed to meet in New York City on August 14th - Aug. 19th,next month. They regret that they are unable to visit Toledo, my home now, and Fremont but since this may be the only time they have this opportunity to visit, we chose New York City to visit its many popular landmarks.  We plan to see the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, 911 memorial, a Broadway show, etc. My 23 yr. old daughter will be joining me to meet them. They booked their flights and chose the Belvedere Hotel in NYC.  I am pleasantly surprised by their choice. Taylor and I will be flying into LaGuardia Aug. 14 and plan to hire a driver to pick them up at JFK in the evening. Shinko has many fears and questions about coming here. In Japan, tipping is unacceptable, the crime rate is low and hugging is not common. She is excited to try new foods and see our culture.  

In closing, I just want to thank Frisch's for connecting Shinko and me all those years ago and starting a wonderful friendship. We are so excited to finally meet in person after years of writing.  A current waitress at Frisch's in Fremont suggested to my parents that I write you.  She has been there 40+ years and remembered the comic books.  They still dine there weekly!"

Sincerely,

Connie Saller Swint