(NS from Kanagawa Prefecture / 70’s / Female / Housewife)
My grandson, who became five years old, has grown into a humorous and a kind child.
Shortly after he was born, his mother (my son’s wife) suffered from postpartum depression. After discussing it with a doctor and the family, it was decided we take care of him at our home while she is hospitalized. To be honest, I panicked for a moment wondering “Am I raising a baby again at this age?”
Overcoming Postpartum Depression
“How could I make use of Kami‘s teachings in time like this?”, then I realized through many learnings that all we have to do is bring strengths of the family all together! I felt grateful for there were something I could do. Although there were some struggling days for taking care of a baby, I asked Kami please let me do what I can do without any hesitation.
My biggest support was my husband. Not only did he take care of our grandson, but he also helped with the housework, he was very reliable. Also, my son always visited his wife at the hospital on the way home from work, and stopped by our house to spend time with his baby son. My daughter, who lives with us, also gave him a bath and read books for children, and our grandson always had a lovely smile on his face.
By the time he first started eating baby food, my son’s wife was discharged from the hospital. At first, she visited our house and helped changing diapers, hugged the baby, and slowly got used to childcare. Then one day, she told me she wants to make him a baby food. I was so happy to hear that and my eyes were filled with tears.
Deepening Family Ties
With the support of my son, she has regained her health and became a reliable mother. Since they both work and just had another baby, we sometimes take care of our grandson.
I was surprised my husband plays with children better than I do, and that made me realize his good characteristics once again. When our grandson calls him “Grandpa”, he has a big smile on his face. By seeing how our grandson cares for us, a warm heart is nurtured under a warm family environment created by our son and his wife. Although it is physically tiring sometimes, I’m so grateful to see our grandchildren grow up by our side.
My son and his wife always care for us and invite us to go on trips together. I could not be happier, because they try to have a family time together. The other day, when I talked about us getting old, my son’s wife firmly insisted “I will take care of you!”, I was so pleased.
There have been many things up to now, but I have no feelings of hardship. I was able to realize if we try to abide by Kami’s teachings and do our best to do for what we can, Kami will help, guide and support us.
We have another grandchild on the way, so there are more opportunities to give our support. I would like to actively take a supporting role for what I can to bring family together and deepen the ties more and more.