(TK from Miyagi Prefecture/50s/Female/Beautician)
Recently, my husband and I faced the loss of our beloved dog which we had been keeping over the years. We’ve been married for ten years. As our family was just the two of us, we cherished our dog like our own child.
Our heart was so empty that we attended Aishō no Gi at Shinji Kyōkai. This funerary ceremony for pets is given by Kami to comfort and purify the kokoro of grieving owners and families who have lost beloved pets.
Sense of security beyond words
I’m in an international marriage. I was worried that my husband might not understand the meaning and process of the ceremony because it was conducted in Japanese.
Thanks to the printed description translated in English, we were able to attend it at ease.
The room was filled with the solemnity. Sitting by the side of my husband, I felt he was touched beyond words. Kami gave us the Shinka (poem) that described the soul of our dog. In the Shinka, the name of our dog was called by both his and my family names. I was deeply moved that this was the ceremony for two of us.
My deep grief of separation faded surprisingly.
Feelings of love and thankfulness overflooded
When we came home, I felt a warm atmosphere between us that words couldn’t express.
Filled with peace of mind and thankfulness, I thought of challenging to cook “the taste of home” for him.
I was not so good at baking. Although I knew the name of the treats, I didn’t know how to make them. Still, I wanted to go through with it.
I started from checking recipes. And then I tried hard to read and follow the recipe. Finally, I finished baking, but obviously it was a failure.
My husband was kind enough to eat them and said jokingly with a smile, “It’s OK. It’s just a little bit hard like a concrete block.”
Reflected myself so far through Shinji
Recently, I try to make it a habit to get up early and read books of Shinji; the direct word of Kami.
When I read over the Shinji repeatedly, it made me aware how I should have fulfilled my role as a wife. I’m always impressed with the depth of its meanings.
I realized that I had not been making enough efforts to deepen ties with my husband; making excuses and giving up to all difficulties between us to the fact we are from different countries and raised in different cultures and customs.
Improving myself and my cooking skill
These days, I’m trying to improve my kokoro, and my cooking skill.
The other day, I tried again baking the same treats I once failed. I wanted to see my husband’s big smile and hear him say “It’s really good!”. And, I did it!
Gentle eyes of my husband made me feel how wonderful it was to be in rapport with each other.
The passing of my beloved dog gave me a push to be a new “me”. And I thank this precious experience from the bottom of my heart because I was able to change and find a better self. I will continue to thrive to fulfill my role as a wife and deepen our family ties.