Happy Father's Day, Dad

EAST BRUNSWICK, N.J.—Here is my father, Toshio Fujishima, next to my mother (taken last year in Japan):

Dad, I may not talk to you nearly as much as I talk to Mom (but guess who I've talked about more here at this blog?). But in many ways, I feel more of a kinship with you, both philosophically and personally. Certainly, I feel that I think more like you on many big issues—like how to live one's life in general—than I ever will with Mom. And of course, you are always there to pick me up from the train station to take me home every evening, thus delivering me from my increasingly irritating job commute.

For all the silences between us, I know I can count on you for support, and even necessary criticism, whenever I need it the most. For all that, I am deeply grateful.

Happy Father's Day, Dad. (Now, if only you would just quit smoking already...)