I just came back home.  I think if I dont' write down my feeling now, I won't do it justice later.  I finished my last Gion Matsuri taiko performance and I am overwhelmed.  I don't know why.  It wasn't like I didn't make any mistakes or that it is my last taiko performance but something about today really hit home.  Was it because Miyada has always had a deep place in my heart?  Was it because Kitahara was nice enough to give me a ride back home so I didn't have to pay for a taxi?  Was it because the players gave up ABARE so I could play Homura?  I don't know.  2 and a half years and it lead up to this.  I am depressed to think I will no longer be able to spend my Sunday evenings going to the taiko group practice.  It has definitely been a big part of my life in Japan.  I have to thank Fujita sensei from Miyada Junior High School.  She asked me one day if I wanted to come watch her practice.  I said yes.  What if I had said no?  I would have never been introduced to taiko.  My three years in Japan would have been very different.  I think I am sooo fortunate to have been part of something so special.  I really have gained so much for this experience.  Not only how to play taiko but being part of a community, building friendships, performing in front of others...its so wonderful.  I think taiko and the people involved have become part of my family in Japan.  I know I'm definitely not a good player but its nice when you start out with a song you think is sooo difficult but at the end of some long weeks of practice and confused looks to play the song with other people.  You feel like you accomplished something.  I definitely know I have come a ways from when I first started.  I still have so much to learn but today the last two songs I did perfectly.  I have to admit, I was proud of myself.  Maybe God was looking over me but it was an awesome way to finish Gion 2005.  We played Fusetsu and Homura.  I was able to do the turn on the front drums and Homura I was able to do perfectly.  I don't think I have done both times perfectly.  I was also thankful that people who wanted to do ABARE to change to Fusetsu because it was my last few songs.....I really appreciated that.  It really touched me.  Thank you!!!  I know you will never read this but really.  Thank you.  Thank you.  Thank you.  You will never know how much it really meant to me.  I will miss taiko and all the people who have helped me and been so patient teaching me what they must think is so simple.  Thank you for your trust in me and your willingness to share an art so beautiful and deep to the heart.  I will always remember this time spent playing taiko.