The following is an open letter from musician Arthur Nakane, the well-known one-man band who was seriously injured in a recent fall. He is a fixture in Little Tokyo’s Japanese Village Plaza.
Dear Friends:
I hope things are going well for you. Unfortunately for me, I fell in my bathroom and got hurt very seriously on May 31st.
After a neck nerve/spinal operation and more than one month of rehab, I am now able to move my legs and arms. My fingers still have no grip and control. I am surrounded by good doctors and nurses who constantly take care of my needs.
All my family have been just wonderful, always visiting me and bringing things, especially my favorite Japanese foods. It will be quite a financial and personal burden for them. They have been pulling together for me just as they did many times. I cannot be more proud and ever grateful.
My daughter, Christina Hawes, is acting as my representative. She is trying to economize my expenses. My other daughter, Cambria, in Glendale is planning to accommodate me when I am released from the hospital, Pasadena Huntington Memorial, on July 16th.
Doctors agree it may take six months to even one year to full recovery. But I am determined to perform my music by this Christmas.
Fortunately, my insurance is supposed to cover much of my medical expenses. I feel totally blessed. My head and my mind are clear, my speech excellent.
I am in good hands, so please do not worry about me., Rather I want you to take care of yourselves and stay out of harm’s way. Enjoy each precious moment with your loved ones.
God bless you all.
Love and music,
Arthur Nakane