The Legacy of Paul and Priscilla

On February 8th, my vibrant Grandmother passed away. I have spent everyday since reflecting on what her and my grandfather’s life meant to me. Most days, I am reminded of ways I can engage more effectively with the world. In this blog, I will write about the legacy of Paul and Priscilla in the hopes that their life brings you a renewed commitment to kindness and activism, as it has me. 

Careers Characterized by Teamwork and a Life-long Commitment

My grandparents’ professional lives were shaped by a singular love of the university where Papa became a first generation college degree holder: The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). With an engineering doctorate from MIT, Papa could have had his pick of any career he wanted. I think he understood implicitly though, that this was the place where he could drive equitable and sustainable change. Grammie was his absolute partner in this endeavor. 

In the later part of their lives, my Papa held prestigious positions at the institution. Yet, I think Papa would say his proudest accomplishment was Grammie’s initiatives at the university. 

When Grammie’s years of volunteerism were the inspiration for a public service center, he gave a speech about her commitment to the cause. What made that moment so special is that he was battling Alzheimers. Nothing could stop him from being her advocate. This unconditional solidarity and celebration of each other reminds me that this is what teamwork should look and feel like. 

Advancing Dignity, Belonging, and Inclusion

I think the quality that resonates with most people is how my grandparents used their platform and privileges to advance social justice. 

As soon as Papa became an administrator, he helped to establish initiatives to increase diverse representation throughout the university. Understanding that resilient representation on campus required more than recruitment, he established initiatives to build the capacity of incoming cohorts of diverse individuals.

Acts of Service 

However, it wasn’t until my Papa passed that I really learned about my grandparents’ commitment to social justice and education at MIT. I spent most of my life feeling like their favorite grandchild, a sentiment all my cousins would say too. It was one of their superpowers. Personal stories of my grandparents' generosity and patience towards me include: coming to Japan, turning off all the grandfather clocks that so terrified me, and countless reunions.

What I will cherish just as much is their acts of service to each other. Some snapshots include: Papa nurturing a garden that Grammie loved looking at as she knitted items for her loved ones. Them sitting close to one another as they read aloud or watched James Harriot.

The intentionality and affection that characterized their 68 year romance reminds me that successful love requires this level of engagement. 

Their Impact on me: Connection Facilitated by Difference

My grandparents were incredibly curious about different ways of existing in this world, and that has in part inspired the life I now lead.

Implementing their curiosity throughout my travels has facilitated professional opportunities, home-cooked meals with unlikely friends, and finding the love of my life. Being receptive to the world around me has turned out to be one of my greatest joys, just like it was for my grandparents. 

My Grammie and Papa now sit next to my Obachama and Ojichama at our familial praying area in Tokyo. Despite our different faiths, I know that Grammie and Papa would embrace being celebrated in the Japanese tradition. Whenever I see both sets of grandparents together, I am reminded of the unexpected happiness we can have if we choose to truly learn from and empathize with people who are different from ourselves.

Moving Forward

When Grammie passed there was outreach from around the world to my family. There were specific memories of her, but what people remarked on most was the dynamism that exuded from my grandparent’s partnership. They are remembered in ways that would make them smile: cozy family gatherings, warm welcomes, and an unwavering commitment to social justice

I will never stop feeling their absence. Even now, writing about them triggers acute grief. Yet, I feel incredibly privileged to have been their granddaughter. I am filled with hope knowing that their values live on in initiatives they started and the people they cared about. I am eternally and profoundly grateful for the lives of Paul and Priscilla.