(TO from Ehime Prefecture/Male/80s/Unemployed)
It’s been five years… While driving home from work, a car came from the opposite lane and caused a serious head-on collision with my car. Despite the fact I was driving downhill, my car was pushed back 1 meter, and the other car also flipped over.
My surrounding got darker and darker, and my breath got weaker. I thought, “This is it. I’m done.” “The car is going to burn!” “Get that person out quickly!” While listening to someone’s faint scream…
I don’t remember anything beyond that. The people around me moved me out of the car to a nearby grassy area and woke me up, and turned the other car to its upright position. I woke up in a hospital bed. My body was completely motionless. I was told that I was partially paralyzed due to a cervical spine injury. And at the same time, I heard that the other party was only slightly injured. I had no hope of recovery, and my wife was told by doctors that I would not be able to move my body for the rest of my life.
My Kokoro Protected by Kami
All I could do was to stare at the ceiling every day. And yet, for some reason, I didn’t feel depressed. It was strange that I did not feel any grudges or a sense of blame for the person who caused the accident either. “I’m going to try my best to live.” I felt that pull of my kokoro by Kami.
Soon after, the nurse asked, “Can you move your hand?” And when I turned my attention, my hand moved slightly. The doctors were surprised, and from there I went into physical therapy. And a word from my wife. “Otosan, if you can’t move on your own, you won’t be able to go home!” I felt that it was a scolding, but a word of encouragement, and I put more and more effort into my physical therapy.
My daughter, who lives in Hiroshima, came home every month to support me. And my son, who lives in Fukuoka, encouraged me while saying, “I’m sorry I can’t go home.” Thanks to all this, I was able to carry out my will to “definitely cure”.
I am Grateful to Have Come This Far
And now, I have recovered to the point where I can take a walk with my wife. I still have numbness, and I feel like I’m walking underwater, but people around me say that I can walk normally.
The doctor recommended cervical spine surgery, but it was a high-risk affair that would result in instant death if it failed. So, even though I didn’t have surgery, the doctor was surprised that I could move my neck normally. He thanked me, saying, “You and your family have taught me that there are things that can be cured by forces other than medicine.” But the truth is, I have nothing but gratitude to Kami, to my family, to the doctors, and to all the people around me.
The “Now”—Another Chance of Life is a Happy Life
The past five years have been difficult. However, the perpetrator must have been in pain … This feeling has become stronger over the years, and after discussing it with my wife, I sent out a postcard to the person the other day. “I have recovered and feeling much better. I want you to be rest assured …” The perpetrator gave me a reply right away. And that letter was filled with feelings of gratitude and apology. I didn’t expect to receive a reply … I felt Kami’s protection and it brought tears to my eyes.
I cannot do much, but if I was asked to help, I would be happy to do as much as I could. I train hard every day too. The days I spend with such feelings are more fulfilling than what they were before the accident. “This second chance of life is much better.” I feel blessed.
Heeding the Shinji to Understand the Reasons for the Joys Experienced
Shinji is the universal principle (truth), and can also be the guidance of life that foresees the future. Please feel the wonders of a life that flows exactly in a way the Shinji tell us when you live with the teachings of Kami.
Shinji
The one secret to achieving true health
—to live a way of life that is one with your unmei—
Live by the principles seeking for a family environment that fosters a kokoro of wa (peace/harmony).
Naturally and gradually, the kokoro of each family members will emotionally support and come together with one another; hence, a kokoro to support and live is fostered.
The movement of the kokoro led by unmei is anchored.
Therefore, it doesn’t produce doubt.
Entrust your feelings to Kami; and the more your kokoro to live by the principles each day, the movement of your kokoro will anchor, and you will have the hope to live.