(TK from Gunma Prefecture/60s/Female/Housewife)
My mother was in a nursing home for severe dementia.
Under the novel coronavirus circumstances, she had to come back to our place.
Spending every day taking care of her was much harder than I had imagined. She couldn’t recognize us, wandered away in the middle of the night, and shouted with anger. I couldn’t sleep at all and was almost burned out.
One day, my mother fell and broke her leg when I took eyes off of her for a moment. She was taken to the hospital and needed to have an operation for the broken thighbone.
Self-reflection through Kami’s teachings
While my mother was in the hospital, I learned the teachings of Kami earnestly.
I thought I had understood the principles but, in fact, I didn’t strive enough to have the right interaction with my family. I realized that I didn’t speak my honest feelings to family members and carried a burden all alone, which was beyond my capacity.
My husband works away from home, so I called him right away. When I talked about my problems and feelings, he listened to me sincerely and said, “Let’s get through this difficult time together. I’m with you.” I was so relieved to hear that.
Since I learned the importance of conversations among family, I made up my mind to also talk with my younger brother and ask him for advice. In the past, we had conflicts in thoughts and opinions. I didn’t contact him for about 15 years. But I thought of how my mother loved and cherished him deeply.
With an open mind, I explained the situation and the difficulties I had. To my surprise, he said warmly, “Don’t worry. I’ll stop by to see mom.” His words eased my mind. I felt as if we came back to our childhood, when we got along well with each other.
The teachings helped me deepen the family ties
It seemed to me that my mother was saying to me; “My dear, you’re too tired. Speak your thoughts and honest feelings and try to listen to your family.” I truly felt that she wished the family to come together, love and support each other.
Warm and caring conversation among family made my kokoro calm. Kami’s teachings brought our family harmony and deepened the ties.
My mother went through surgery and left the hospital.
I would keep learning and practicing Kami‘s teachings to create a family in harmony.