(Saga HS/60s female/employee)
On September 7th, the typhoon that was called a once in a century landed on the Kyusyu area. I experienced the great sense of security from having the family ties while there were many voices around me and in the news about an extreme fear of the typhoon.
Became Estranged from a Mother-in- law Because of the Reserved Character
I lost my beloved husband ten years before. I also lost the sense of distance with my mother-in-law since my character was originally reserved and difficult to deepen the ties with others. Although I cared about her, I hesitated to contact her. My friends advised that “It is ok to keep a distance from her.” However, I have spent every day without being relieved when I thought of my husband’s feeling and how much he would be worried about her.
The wind and rain began to strengthen because of approaching typhoon, and the emergency radio to announce an evacuation and an emergency alerts on cellphones never stopped. Since my mother-in-law lived an old house alone, anxiety has gathered in my mind.
This whole situation, I spoke my swayed feeling to Kami, I decided that “I will tell her my feeling that I worry about her as a family.” And I ventured to contact her.
Strengthen the Feeling to Concern as a Family
“Mother, are you ok?” when I asked her, “Thank you for worrying about me in such a hard time.” She answered with joy. When we talked various things, she said that “I gave you only troubles.” The words vanished all reserves until now.
Moreover, I could contact a younger sister of my husband who was also estranged, and she told me her gratitude that “Thank you for caring my mother.” Distanced kokoro for a long time was gone in an instant. It was me who had raised a hurdle and concluded that “I am a character who could not deepen ties with others.”
To realize own issue through Kami’s teachings and could correct the jittai. Kami’s power is great.
After that, I am continuing to deepen ties with them as an important family. Through such connection, I felt so happy when I found a sign of my mother-in-law who showed symptoms of dementia get better.
Family’s ties cannot be exchanged with other things in life. A joy beyond description that I could deepen ties with them resonates in my kokoro.