EXHILARATION AND RELIEF AS BROTHERS REUNITE.

EXHILARATION AND RELIEF AS BROTHERS REUNITE. [Installment #2] The most extraordinary aspect of Eskaton’s Thrill of a Lifetime program is that it provides rewards well beyond the Thrill recipient. Everyone that the Thrills touch share in the anticipation, excitement and inspiration.

All for this moment: The photo of Mino Ohye, the Eskaton Wilson Manor resident who reunited today -- on his 86th birthday! -- with his brother Hiroshi in Japan from whom he was separated nearly 60 years ago, records the actual thrilling reconnection.

And now everyone involved in making this happen can breathe a sigh of relief, and bask in the Thrill as well.

Thrill of Lifetime director Suzanne Strassburg is the dedicated logistical magician behind the production. 

Eskaton Wilson Manor administrator Debbie Reynolds discovered Mino’s remarkable story, and helped bring it to fruition. 

California State Assemblymember Mariko Yamada hosted the fundraiser Eskaton sponsored at the West Sacramento VFW to raise funds for the trip; and linked Eskaton with the Japanese Consul General in San Francisco, whose connections with Japan Airlines and others provided additional support and reassurances. 

Eskaton Foundation upped the experience a notch as well; donor Jose Kirchner contributed Mino’s executive-class flight. 

And Brian Berry, a California State University, Sacramento doctoral student currently living in Japan, is serving as Mino’s travel companion and interpreter. (Eskaton was connected with Berry by CSUS associate professor Kazue Masuyama, Ph.D.) One of his regular updates follows:

BIG DAY TODAY … THE REUNION WAS A HUGE SUCCESS.

Hiroshi brought his son and his son's wife along, and had brought a very large cake. One of the largest I had seen in Japan. They had it special ordered. There was an exchange of gifts, including one for Debbie. Hiroshi also said very clearly to give a huge thank you to Mariko Yamada. They were very grateful for everything, and I promised them I'd let you all know that as soon as possible.

There were plenty of hugs. The Associated Press came along and Hiroshi agreed to be filmed even during the reunion moment and even interviewed during the whole time. I'm very glad I had the crew I did, as they were extremely cooperative and considerate. They recorded the exact moment when they finally met after almost 60 years as well. I made sure to use a portion of [Eskaton’s money] to pay for a nice special dinner for Hiroshi, Minoru-san, and Hiroshi's son and the son's wife. They insist on paying for the next lunch though.

They were very relaxed and very happy by the end of the night, and it went great.

Total success!

Brian Berry

* Google "Eskaton" to enjoy the international news coverage.