Kara's+WWII+Narrative+Essay

=__My Journal During WWII__=

December 6, 1941 Pearl Harbor, Hawaii

My name is Lilo Sansui; I am a 14 year old Japanese-American. I got this journal from my Mother and Father for my birthday. I turned fourteen just yesterday! I live in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. My best friend is Kiki; she is 15 and a Caucasian. I have one sister and two brothers. Philip is the oldest, he is 16. Then there’s me…Lilo! Kali comes next, she is 11 and the youngest is Fumio, he is 7. It is Christmas soon and all of Pearl Harbor is decorated for Christmas. We never get snow in Hawaii. Oh, I wish that it would snow in Hawaii sometime! I got to go; mother is calling for me to blow out my candles! Good-bye for now.

December 9, 1941

The Japanese have bombed Pearl Harbor! I have not had any time to write; it has been very chaotic. I barely have time to write now…so I will make it quick. I was sleeping and was awoken by a loud bang. I shot up out of bed and was confused. I found my parents huddled next to a radio; all I heard over and over was, “THE JAPS HAVE BOMBED PEARL HARBOR! EVERYONE GET TO SAFETY!” My parents then told me to wake my brothers and sister and get to safety. I better go mother is yelling at me to put my gas mask on. I don’t like wearing a gas mask; I look silly! But I certainly do NOT like this bombing!

December 11, 1941

 I finally have time to write in my journal. The past four days after the bombing of Pearl Harbor has been chaos. People have been treating the Japanese like we are diseased and worthless. They call us Japs; not to be and joke around but to mean it in a rude way. Today, I was waiting for the bus, when a boy about my age maybe older said to me, “You dirty disgusting Jap, my father was stationed at Pearl Harbor when it was bombed and now he is severely injured. You people disgust me!” Then he stormed off and I just stood there in shock. This has never happened to me before. I am now a target; the others just want someone/something to blame it is me and my family just because we are Japanese. I must go now, I can’t bear to write about the things people are doing and saying to us Japanese.

December 16, 1941

 Things have just gotten worse. People are treating my family like we don’t deserve to be here. Restaurants, movie theaters, community pools, and malls have banned the Japanese from entering those buildings or areas. My father is getting paid very little for his job; it is a good thing that father even has a job. I believe he does because father is good friends with the owner and if he wasn’t my father would probably not have a job; it is a good thing father is friends with the owner. He says though that it is better to get paid very little than to not get pays at all. I must go now, good-bye.



December 20, 1941

 I have not written in a while because we have been so busy getting ready for Christmas here. Mother tells me and my siblings that we will not be having a Christmas filled with presents. I know that mother feels bad that we cannot afford presents, but as long I am with my family it will be a great Christmas.

December 22, 1941

 Oh! I have terrible news! Father has been taken! It was in the morning when we heard a heavy, loud knocking at the door. Mother opened it and got very pale; she called for father and he appeared. They then said that father would have to go with them. He went without a fight and I started to cry because I had no idea where father was going! I asked mother what happened and all she could do was shake her head and disappear into her room. I cannot write right now, I feel depressed about father. I have a feeling this will not be a very merry Christmas without father.

December 30, 1941

 Christmas was much better than I thought it would be! But, it was also depressing because father was taken. He has still not returned and I am asking mother for answers, but all she does is frown and disappear into her room. I honestly don’t think she wants to give me any answers because she doesn’t want to worry me. The New Year is coming fast! I must go now; Kali wants me to go with her to the market.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">January 5, 1942

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;"> HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ME! I’m sorry that I have not been writing so much, but I can barely fund time. I have news to tell you. Mother has finally told me why father was taken. The government is questioning any Japanese male adult if he had anything to do with bombing. Our neighbor has found out that they are even beating the men for answers that aren’t even true. Oh, poor father! Mother has been in her room crying, she is very sensitive when it comes to father.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">January 8, 1942

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;"> This morning mother asked me if I would help her with something. I was confused but said I would. She walked me to the backyard when I noticed all our Japanese heirlooms and pictures of our trip to Japan in boxes. A fire was burning next to everything. I asked her what was going on and she told me we needed to burn these things. I asked her why and all she said was that we didn’t want to be suspects. I mostly understood what she meant. But I am trying to get more answers, but mother said that there are no more answers. I cannot write for long. Mother has been hearing rumors that President Roosevelt wants to put Japanese people into internment camps. I asked what those were and she said like a prison where we would live. Most likely until the war was over. I am sick to my stomach thinking about these things. Good-bye for now.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">January 20, 1942

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;"> I have not written in here for a long time, because I have been so depressed and hurt. My own friends have turned against me, but Kiki is still there for me. She is a true friend and I know that I will have forever and always. I better go and help mother make dinner. Our dinners have not been very good lately because we have very little money. But it’s okay because mother knows how to make the bland food taste delicious!

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">January 23, 1942

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;"> I have wonderful news! We have heard from father! He called to tell us that he is doing well. He sounded very sad and sick. He says that he misses us all greatly, and we miss him too. He cannot tell us where he is. But he promised that he will try to write or call as often as possible. Oh, I miss father so much!

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">January 27, 1942

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;"> The good news is fading. Today, Philip got into a fight with another boy. The boy started calling him horrible names saying that he was worthless, ugly, and a horrible person for being Japanese. He then attacked Philip. Philip was only using self-defense though! He is suspended for four days of school. And the boy didn’t even get a punishment! Not even detention. It’s only because Philip is Japanese while the boy was Caucasian. How horrible these people are acting.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">February 3, 1942

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Nothing has happened in the last few days; that is why I wrote less frequently. People are still being rude to us Japanese even though we are American citizens. Mother sees how depressed I am and told me that maybe I should stop writing because it is making me think of all the horrible things that has happened. So I will not be writing in a while. Good-bye for now!

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">February 16, 1942

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Not writing in my journal has made me feel a little better. I don’t have to think about the horrors of everything that has been going on. But, we have been hearing rumors that President Roosevelt wants to send all the Japanese away. Oh, I am frightened! I don’t want to leave my home!

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">February 20, 1942

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Oh! My worst nightmare is coming true! Yesterday President Roosevelt passed the Executive Order 9066. That means that he is sending all of the Japanese in America to internment camps. WE don’t know where we are going. I am so scared! Mother is starting to sell our belongings for money because the bank froze all Japanese people’s assets. Mother is putting other things in storage with our neighbors. We have such caring neighbors, I am thankful for the. I should go help mother pack and get everything ready.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">February 26, 1942

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Tomorrow we are being moved somewhere in California. I don’t know exactly where. A man knocked on our door, mother answered it. He told us that we can bring two suitcases and one duffel bag. We are almost packed, we are wearing doubled clothes. We packed the small things that we will need to survive in the camp. Mother is calling for me! I must go. I may not have time to write for a while, but I will certainly try to write.

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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">March 6, 1942 <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">Mirror Lake, California

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;"> I have finally found time to write! We left and we were transported on a boat that was very unsanitary and had a horrible odor. The ride took forever! I tried to count the hours, but I feel asleep and lost track of time. We arrived at the bottom of California; we were then put on a train right away. It wasn’t a train that you would ever want to ride. The train was just as unsanitary as the boat and the train, too had a horrible odor. The train ride didn’t take as long as the boat rides though. But it was just as bad. I didn’t even bother keeping track of time. When we arrived we saw a large sign that said “Welcome to Mirror Lake.” We also saw a large area with fences and all around it, there was even barbed wire at the top. We get off the train and were told to go and find out where we would be staying. We found out and it was Block C, Barrack 12, Apartment E. When we arrived at our new house, (which took a long time because all the houses looked the same), it was very small and there was no running water and almost no furniture except for a small stool. I was thinking that our family of 5, without father, wouldn’t fit in this house. When all of a sudden an old Japanese couple walks in hand in hand. My mother said. “Excuse me, but his is our home. Do you need help finding your home?” They said no, they were assigned to this house and showed mother the paper with their house number on it. She looked confused but accepted it, besides they look like niche people. Philip and I decided to get everyone’s luggage even the old people, whose name is Mr. and Mrs. Tashimi. We asked a guard where our luggage was and he showed us. When we found the luggage it was in a huge pile of other people’s bags. We had to dig out the luggage, but eventually found them. When we got back home we found mother trying to clean. How silly she is trying to sweep with her hands! I told her I would try to find a broom. I went looking and asked a Japanese boy, who was particularly cuts. He then disappeared and then came back with a broom and even a bucket! I thanked him and walked away. I gave everything to mother and told me to explore camp. I say okay, and when walking noticed everything looked the same. I better go and help Mr. Tashimi look for wood. He is a carpenter! How exciting that we can get more furniture!

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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">March 7, 1942

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;"> I met that boy again! His name is James. I like writing to you my journal at times; it helps me think about things that I should think about. It gets boring here at camp, so a few people came up with an idea saying that we should start a baseball league! How wonderful! I hope James will play so I can cheer him on.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">March 17, 1942

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;"> We started our baseball league today! It isn’t serious but it is something for everyone to bond over. I think even the guards enjoy watching us play. But, today, it is Kali’s birthday! She is finally 12! She is so excited. I am going to ask Mr. Tashimi to help me make her a little box where she can put her favorite things. I hope she likes it!

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">March 20, 1942

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Kali loved her box I made her with Mr. Tashimi! She is so excited! She wants to paint it and decorate it with things. I promised I would help her. Baseball has been going great! Philip is getting to like baseball more than any other sport! Father sent us a letter and it said he is coming back any day now! Oh, I am so excited to see father! I am going to make him a card!

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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">March 25, 1942

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Father has returned! I am so excited for him to be back. I missed him so much. I gave him the card I made for him and he loved it. It brought a smile to his face and that made me feel good. He looks much thinner from when I last saw him. He looks very tired and exhausted. Today we started to go to school again. The teachers are mostly Japanese but there are some Caucasian teachers. I like going to school because I meet new people every day. And I get to see James!

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">March 28, 1942

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Today Mr. Tashimi is having me help him make new furniture for our little apartment. First we need to go gather wood and find tools to make the furniture. We found some wood and started to build and put together the structures. We made a table and some chairs. Mother was very pleased and she thanked Mr. Tashimi. But he said that I helped him with everything. I hope I can build more furniture in the future with Mr. Tashimi. It was fun and I think he enjoyed the company.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">April 6, 1942

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;"> I have not written in so long because I have been so busy with school and watching people play baseball! Baseball is a fun way to relieve all the stress of having to deal with the school work. Philip is teaching Fumio how to play. I do not think Fumio really likes to play baseball though. Fumio is kind of a nerd; he enjoys going to school and getting a lot of homework. He reads books a lot. When he starts a book it is like he checks out of the world until he finishes it. He is kind of odd, but that just makes me love him even more!

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">April 10, 1942

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Today, James gave me a picture that he drew. It was very beautiful. I didn’t even know that James could draw! It was a picture of a meadow with all types of flowers in it. It had brilliant colors and was so beautiful. I wonder how he got paper and coloring supplies. Oh well, I am just happy that he gave me something special. I am going to try and get something for James in return. But I don’t know what I should get him! I should brain storm and think about that!

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">April 16, 1942

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;"> I thought about what I want to get James. I want to make him a baseball shirt! I am going to find some extra fabric and stitch his name and his favorite number on the back! Oh I hope he likes it! Mother is going to help me find fabric. She also promised to teach me how to sew so I can make it. I am going to use Philip to measure shirt size because he and James are about the same size. I better go and find fabric to make his shirt! Good-bye.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">April 24, 1942

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;"> I gave James the shirt I made him and he loved it! He was so happy that I gave something to him. He tried it on right away and it fit him perfectly! I was so proud of myself that I made the shirt. I have been so busy lately with all the school work. I enjoy going to school but I don’t like getting all the homework. Oh, I must go I just remembered that I have to finish my homework!

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">May 3, 1942

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;"> I have been so busy lately. I am getting stressed and I don’t know what to do. I haven’t had any time to write, but it is not like anything interesting has been happening in my life. James and I have been hanging out more and we just walk around the camp together. He makes me happy and helps make the stress go away for a little bit. I am thinking about giving up writing in my journal. I have been so busy that it is hard to find time to write. I am with James a lot and have been watching the boys play baseball. I also have so much homework! I think that soon I may stop writing in my journal.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">May 15, 1942

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;"> I have not been writing because I have decided to take a break and not write in my journal unless I have to. But right now I never have time to write and I would like to write. But, I can NEVER find time. It breaks my heart that I need to stop writing. You have been there for me when I needed to talk to someone. You are going to be missed journal. Good-bye journal.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">August 17, 1945

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">Hello, journal. It has almost been 3 years since I’ve written anything in this journal. But I have wonderful news! Japan has surrendered to the United States! We should be getting released soon. I am kind of sad because this is my new home now. I will miss all of my new friends. But I am happy to be going back to Pearl Harbor! I am now 17 and James and I are now engaged. He proposed on the day that Japan surrendered to the United States! He told me he was going to ask me in a couple of days to marry him, but he didn't want to wait. Oh! I am so happy I love James! I <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 16px;">am so happy because right now my life is going great. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">I know this will be my definite last entry. Someday I hope my sons or daughters will read this journal and pass it on to their children. Good -bye journal…..forever.

__<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; line-height: 24px;">Bibliography __

 * <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 15px;">Denenberg, Barry. //<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 15px;">The Journal of Ben Uchida //<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 15px;">. New York, New York: Scholastic, 1999. Print.
 * <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 15px;">"Pearl Harbor Facts." //<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 15px;">History1900s //<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 15px;">. About.com. Web. <http://history1900s.about.com/od/Pearl-Harbor/a/Pearl-Harbor-Facts.htm>.