Suzi Leavens, a 69-year-old native of Japan, is traveling Route 66 by herself from Santa Monica to Chicago to realize a dream by her late husband, according to an email from Victorville (Calif.) Daily Press reporter Tomoya Shimura.
According to Tomoya, Leavens has already stayed at the Wigwam Motel in Rialto, Calif., and the Ludlow Motel in Ludlow, Calif. And, as you can see, she filmed a video in Japanese at the Santa Monica Pier:
The admiration for Leavens grows when one realizes her perseverance in the face of setbacks and tragedies. Her husband, Richard, died after suffering from cancer for years. In addition, she’s endured job layoffs, business failures, and depression. Then …
In 2009, in showing my gratitude and in memory of my late husband, I restarted the journey by re-visiting the locations that I traveled in the past. I also visited various locations throughout the U.S., where I felt my life changing inspirations. During the trip, I was able to enjoy the view of the Western deserts, flowers and natural wonders that was being offered for me to see.
I compiled all of my poems and photos and had the photography/poem show in Little Tokyo (Los Angeles) and Torrance. I was very grateful for all the gracious support and encouragement given to me by people from various walks of life. I was overjoyed with emotion and gratitude.
I will be celebrating my 70th birthday on May 6, 2012.
There is also another lifelong passion that my husband and I wanted to do, but was unable to do so due to his passing. That passion is to travel on the Route 66.
Tomoya, who has written several Route 66-related stories for the Victorville newspaper, said:
I want to see more fellow Japanese people driving on Route 66 to get a sense of “everyday America.” […] We would appreciate it if you can write about her trip on your news site so that people on the road will know about her and greet her.
Leavens’ Facebook page is here. Her Twitter account is here. And if you see her, make sure you say howdy.
I sent her a Facebook note that if she can read English and can get to Pontiac IL on her birthday, May 6, she can stay the night here and I’ll make her a birthday cake.
Suzi visited us at the Midpoint Cafe in Adrian, Texas yesterday (4/18) and I found her to be a very charming woman with a deep compansion for RT66. She even sent me some pics she took during her visit. Croc Lile and friends were visitng at the same time, with Croc driving his 64.5 Mustang Convertible. She really admired his car as well as the cafe. May Suzie have safe travels in her travels along RT 66. Suzi, if you read this comment…You go girl!!!
I am a friend of Suzi’s from Los Angeles and have known her for over five years. Suzi’s is a kind, gentle soul with an indomitable spirit and zest for life. She is a positive energy that has impacted many lives.
Wish her all the best as she fulfills a life-long dream.
See you soon Suzi,
Your friend,
Negussie
suzy-san ogennki soude naniroridesu. shibaraku nanimo konakatsuta node sukoshi shinnpaishimashita.demo yokatsutadesu. korekara mo karadani kiotsukete tanoshii tabi wo tsuzukete kudasai.
michiko
I’m sure that you’re having a great time!!!
Be safe and enjoy your journey. Just in case I don’t get a chance to wish you a “Happy Birthday” on May 6 I’d better do it now. “Have a wonderful birthday.”
Tomoko
I was working in my yard when a California car pulled up, and a perky Japanese woman with a camera got out and asked what would be important sites in Carthage,Mo. for anyone interested in Route 66. I invited her in to get the addresses of the sites and see was amazed at the hospitality of the people in the heartland. She took pictures of my home and my flower garden, my friend who was going to lunch with me, and was so gracious as we visited together. Have a wonderful trip Suzi. An unexpected pleasure in my day!
Thank you all of my wonderfful & kind friends.
I had wonderful experiences from this trip. I learned again how so wonderful my life! I felt many times I am a luckest woman becaause I met you.I appreciated all of you.
Finally I made finished yesterday my trip 73 episodes with pictures for Japanese news paper which is The Rafu Shimpo. It was very hard work, sometimes I can’t remember exactly how many miles from A to B so— I recheck internet maps and then again, then again —- I must check another reserches, etc, etc.—-I need little bit rest time right now because after I get back to my home I was very busy for making these trip episodes.I ‘m lucky I got many funs my story’s readers!!
I must start again re-editing for this trip episodes for make my book. I don’t know when I can make my book, but I’ll try to my best and some day I hope can make in English my book too. WBut 1st of all; I have to make a big money for that( make book),
Ha, Ha, Ha!!!
I’ll tell you all of my wonderful friends; Thank you very much I never, never forget your kind and warm heart.
Have a nice day.
Suzi Leavens