（TI from Yokohama City/40s/Female/Housewife）
It was a sudden request by the Japanese government. To prevent infection from the novel Coronavirus, school closures began in early March.
Since then, my children have been staying at home. I had been trying to do all the housework and take care of my children 24-7. And, I was worn out.
Realizing how blinded I was about my husband
I reflected myself. Then I found out that I spoke my anxious feelings to Kami but not to my husband. I refrained from expressing my feelings because I didn’t want to bother him.
I thought I should tell him my thoughts and feelings honestly, as we are husband and wife.
I sent him a text message. I knew that my husband kept working hard. I asked him, “Can we have time to talk? It would help me if you listen to me just a bit of time.”
That night, he came home late from work and we couldn’t have time to talk.
However, what happened the next morning surprised me. My husband started to wash the dishes after breakfast.
I said to him, “That’s all right, let me take care of that.” He replied, “You must be tired to do all the house work every day. This is at least I can do to help you.”
I was glad and relieved to hear his heart-warming words. I thanked him with a smile.
My husband showed consideration for me although he was actually tired with his work and needed a rest.
When I felt his love and understanding, I could look back at myself calmly. I realized that I had been overwhelmed by the situation and my emotions.
My role as a wife and a mother
Since then, when I feel small joys during daytime, I try to share them with my husband. For example, I send messages of how our children playing together or making sweets by using the recipe in Kami no Oshie no Takarabako” on the official Shinji Kyōkai website. Our children seemed happy when I tell them their father’s reply.
I learned the importance of the role in family by the teachings of Kami.
“Each member has a role to play…if you are the wife, your role is to connect the kokoro of the family members to one another.”
Now I have confidence to fulfill my role for my husband and children!
Recently my husband helps me wash the dishes when he gets home early. I say “Thank you.” from the bottom of my heart, while I’m standing by his side to wipe the dishes. His tenderness warms my heart and gives me a sense of security.
Hoping to be helpful more and more!
Now I’m willing to do what I can to make my family happier.
My kigan has changed. I ask Kami, “I’d like to be more useful as a wife and as a mother, please help me to live with a positive and calm kokoro.”
I keep learning the teachings every day by Shinji Kyōkai textbooks, which always give me awareness about life.
This period became the opportunity to deepen our family ties.