The last of the Miyoshi Brothers died a few weeks ago. Toru was the youngest of the four bothers (Akira, Jun and Buck) and remained in Santa Maria, their home town. He was one of the few asian politicians of the area, serving as a Santa Barbara supervisor, and Santa Maria City Councilman as well as other positions in government. At his grave site service, the remaining third generation gathered to honor his life and with his wife Jean, daughters Lisa and Joni, and grandchildren Laura and Logan.
As an impromptu gathering, there were four of us men chatting when we realized that we all had one thing in common. We were all married to a Miyoshi. Somehow that silent bond ran with deep understanding. It was a gleam in the eye accompanied by silence. If a word of understanding was uttered, it would bring a hearty laugh and unfathomable responses of outrage from our wives. We can only grin and muffle laughter as we all knew what it meant.
Yes, being a Miyoshi is as unique as being a Wada. It is something about three surviving brothers with an older fourth brother tragically dyeing young. With the Wada's it was George, Yukio, Kennie and Frank. Is it true with other families? Im not sure, but in this case, there are strong similarities. When ever the third generation Wada cousins gather, there will be eventually a picture taken of the wives. But in the Wada case, it more of a chagrin, or OK, I will admit I married a Wada. It is my fate in life.
With Miyoshi's, there is a stronger undercurrent of spirit that their grandmother possessed in unlimited supply. I do not really know or have talked at length to either of my compatriots, but there still remains a deep understanding of what it is like being: Married to a Miyoshi.
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