“Bob's Thread” That Made Me Cross the Pacific

When I think about what might have happened if I had attended the conference that day as I usually did—simply listening to the presentations before heading home—I still tremble with fear. At the time, however, I had no idea that the “insignificant thing” I did would end up changing the entire course of my life. Looking back now, though, the facts were indeed just as they stood. I can see that clearly now. If I hadn't met Bob for the first time on that occasion, if he hadn't run into a little trouble, and if I hadn't happened to solve it, this fragile “thread” would not have connected him and me and my life would have been completely different. He is one of the few people who has changed my life in ways I never expected, far beyond anyone else. He is my true benefactor.In October 2010, the Japan Mark Twain Society invited Bob to speak as special lecturer at their annual conference in Tokyo. I have always been an introvert, hesitant to interact with others. I was just one of what is called “non-proactive members.” However, probably due to a shortage of volunteers for the big event, I was asked to assume responsibility for various chores, such as organizing the venue and I agreed.I helped set up the room for Bob's scheduled lecture. Troubles always seem to occur at conferences right before the event begins. During the rehearsal, Bob's presentation visuals wouldn't open on any of the venue's computers. I still don't understand why, but only the laptop I was personally using would open them, so Bob used it and his lecture was a great success. Through Bob's presentation, I learned that the Mark Twain Project was always open and welcoming to researcher visits. And it didn't take long for me to realize that his words were 100 percent true.At the time, my personal circumstances and mindset prompted me to pursue more opportunities to share my ideas in the United States. After delivering my second conference presentation there, I decided not to return directly to Japan from Atlanta, Georgia, where the conference had been held. Instead, I visited the Mark Twain Project in Berkeley just a few weeks after first meeting Bob. This first stay only lasted a few days and during that time I didn't even get to see him. What I learned from that brief visit, during which I felt I accomplished nothing, was that I absolutely had to return. I realized I needed to stay for a much longer time.But how? At that point, I had no means to return. The university I worked for had not yet established a sabbatical system and its program for sending young faculty members abroad had been discontinued. Options for university faculty to retain their positions while undertaking long-term research stays abroad were more limited than they are now. The only viable option was to secure an external scholarship, a difficult process. I decided to apply for a Fulbright Visiting Scholar award to spend an entire year exploring the riches of the Mark Twain Papers.By this point, Bob had already woven a thread into my heart that connected me deeply to the Project. From Japan across the Pacific, I believed that day would come and indeed it arrived much sooner than I had ever expected. I can still remember—as though it were yesterday—the day I arrived in Berkeley after being awarded the Fulbright scholarship. It was a cloudy, slightly cold day, and in the early evening I entered the Bancroft Library at the University of California, Berkeley. I asked the receptionist to call Bob before taking the elevator. When the elevator door opened, I found Bob waiting in front of me. I will never forget his mischievous (sorry!) smile. I probably had a worried look on my face. The “Ariadne's thread” connecting me and Bob had made my first long-term research abroad experience possible. Now that I think about it, I realize how much effort it takes to host a foreign researcher, even if they are an adult, from a distant country. However, he welcomed me with a warm smile. The moment I saw it, I knew that I had made the best choice of my life—and indeed I was right.Bob of course was always very busy and I remained quite introverted. Nonetheless, he told me, “When my office door is open, I'm inside. You're always welcome.” He told me not to hesitate to visit him. On the other side of that door stood the person who knew Mark Twain better than anyone in the world. It was a wonderful environment. However, I wasn't able to make the most of that opportunity. Whenever Bob's office door was open, he always seemed preoccupied with other work. I know this because I have quietly peeked in from the hallway from time to time. I didn't want to take his time for my own sake.Even so, Bob was always there for me, during every pivotal moment of the stay, and always helped me. What is more, the scholars at the Project at that time truly looked after me. During my life, outside of my family, I have never experienced such genuine care before. Despite the many demands of their work, Bob as well as his staff at the time—Vic Fischer, Michael Frank, Harriet Smith, Leslie Myrick, Ben Griffin, Sharon Goetz, and Neda Salem—sincerely supported me nonetheless.Thanks to Bob and them, I have developed a genuine desire to contribute to Mark Twain studies. During my stay, I developed a deep respect for everyone involved in the Project and the work they were doing. At that time, the completion of the second volume of the three-volume Autobiography of Mark Twain was just around the corner. They carried out their work with quiet dedication. Sometimes, though, I could hear the sounds of their discussions from some distance away. For the future study of the great writer Mark Twain, they meticulously investigate the facts, carefully edit his writings, and compile them into detailed scholarly editions. Members of the Project frequently passed by the reading room carrying materials. They would greet me and reach out to me and always answered my questions sincerely.I admired their work and wanted to try doing something “like” what they were doing. Without any formal training, my contributions were limited, however. As an amateur, I focused on creating electronic texts of manuscripts written by Twain and those connected to him: while potentially useful to the Project members, these materials are likely considered lower priority. I donated everything I produced to the Project. In starting my own small “project,” I chose to focus on what I believed would be beneficial both for them and for myself. I also took advantage of the freedom I had at the time to select documents that were important for my research. Whenever I made my selections, I always consulted Bob and he always granted his permission. The letters that I read and converted into electronic text, sent by Orion Clemens to Sam and other family members, mostly describe everyday life. However, those ordinary letters revealed various facts about Orion and his feelings toward his younger brother.What I remember most from my conversations with Bob is when I asked him, “What kind of scholarship do you respect?” Though not his exact words, he said something like, “The most important thing is that it is based on facts.” Since then, those words have become a guiding principle for me. Thank you so much, Bob. You have changed my life in ways beyond what I ever expected. Even if you leave the Project (which I still find hard to believe), I am confident that the “thread” you gave me will continue to guide me throughout my academic career.