Stitched from Our Mother’s Love

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I am a first-generation Japanese American immigrant. My mother made this child-sized kimono from one of her own kimonos for my older sister. After my sister outgrew it, the kimono became mine.

Kobe was firebombed during World War II, and we grew up during a time when all of Japan was struggling. This kimono symbolizes my mother’s love for us, her children. She showed her love by making clothes for us and cooking healthy food.

Photo caption if needed.

Sachiko Knappman • Rohnert Park resident

Sachiko Knappman is retired and has lived in Sonoma County since 1982. She came to the United States as a young adult after meeting and marrying her American husband. He died of cancer in 1985, leaving her to raise their 15-month-old son. During those difficult years, memories of her family in Japan gave her strength and helped her carry on. She later remarried and now lives with her husband. She raised one son and has two grandchildren.