Overseeing the return of my daughter’s family from China without worries

(HN from Shizuoka Prefecture/50s/Female/Housewife)

My daughter’s family lives in Shanghai, China, due to work. They have been returning to Japan about twice a year, and this year, they were back in Japan before the Lunar New Year holidays.  However, because of the new Corona Virus outbreak in the world, they were not able to go back to Shanghai.

With a 5-year-old and a 3-year-old child, we can imagine how anxious they were. I talked with my husband and son and we decided to support each other as a family during a time like this.

My husband told my daughter’s husband that staying healthy is the most important thing in the world, so they can stay as long as they want.  My son also said he would support in any way he can, like taking kids to the park, etc.

The amount of laundry and food are usually small for us, but everything has doubled by the arrival of my daughter’s family.  Although it was a little hectic at first, they make our dining time fun and lively.  I’m surprised that the dishes are gone in a blink of an eye, but I’m just delighted to hear “it is delicious!” 

My daughter and I used to argue all the time, but now I can sympathize with her feelings that she probably wants to return to her daily life as soon as possible.  If I get irritated, my daughter and her family would become more anxious and frustrated. So, I decided I’ll do what I can do as a mother and as a grandmother. In fact, I now feel like it’s a wonderful opportunity to be with my grandchildren. We enjoy and cherish the time we all spend together.

I am also happy to learn the teachings of Kami with my daughter’s family. Even though the world is undergoing unpredictable circumstances, and we don’t know when the new Corona Virus will end, our kokoro is anchored and calm. We have no worries at all.

Living with the teachings help me feel happy and embrace the blessings I have today. We will continue to learn and practice the teachings as a family, and to strive to pass on to our children and grandchildren.