Congratulations on the publication of your essay book, Yuzu-san 📚

Yuzu-san's essay book arrived exactly on my one-year anniversary of starting on note ❣️
Beyond the content, I was so drawn in by the writing style that I read it all in one sitting.

First of all, the title, "How a High School Graduate Couple Raised Their Children and Got All 3 into National Universities"
Anyone with children who will be going through various entrance exams and higher education will surely be tempted to pick it up.

My sons are already working adults, and I found myself wishing I had met you sooner, Yuzu-san...

I believe you and your husband have respected each of your children's individual personalities, watched over their interests, and enjoyed the journey together as parents.

And above all, what you valued most, as stated on the book's obi strip, is:

The Yuzu family has clear rules that you follow without strain.
You value family time together and have shown your children the importance of their father, even though he has little time to spend with them on a daily basis.

In my generation, many of us were raised with the strong belief that the father is the breadwinner, and we were taught that from childhood.
Being able to eat every day and buy things was thanks to our father, and it felt like we had to consult him and get his permission for any major decisions or expensive purchases.

I know it's different for families where both parents work, but if the father comes home late and spends little time at home on his days off, his presence tends to fade.

I heard that you made time for your husband to spend with each of your three children individually.
Even if it was hard to do all three at once, once they realized they could get his attention one-on-one and have a fun time, he eventually started taking all three of them out to play together.

Your children each have their own personalities, and it's clear that you and your husband have observed them well and responded accordingly.
For extracurricular activities, you have clear rules, such as piano plus one thing they choose themselves,
and the requirement to continue for at least one year.
Reading lots of books—I think this is also a wonderful thing.

I remember hearing back when I studied child psychology that "piano plus books" is very important for a young child's brain development.

Then there is the "See you later" rule:
Always see them off.

This is something often said, but it's called "kotodama" (the power of words); seeing someone off by saying "See you later, take care" is said to have the power to help them avoid misfortune.

I truly believe that is the case. For example, even with nursing care, no matter how much you do, you will always have some regrets.
And if you did nothing, you would regret that too.

I think you have managed that balance very well.

You also speak of your tiny child who passed away in the womb as "a member of the family who always reminds us of what is important."

The midwife at the time said, "No matter how much medicine advances, and no matter how careful you are, there are things that cannot be helped. Your deep love, Yuzu-san, will surely reach your baby."
I felt that you were saved by those words because you are loved by those around you, and you have given so much love to those around you as well.

I really empathize with this.
I think it's important to never forget that before being a wife and a mother, you are a woman.

I believe this is the answer you arrived at after experiencing the environment you grew up in, your current family life, your warm relationships with neighbors, and many other experiences.

You mentioned that "it is precisely because I experienced a dysfunctional family that I became so strongly conscious of what a family should be now," but there are people in this world who are unable to realize that and end up repeating the same patterns.
I am sure there were times when you were hurt as a child by heartless words from your parents.

However, because you always imagined an "ideal family" inside your closet, never gave up on that dream, and lived purely without holding grudges against anyone, you were able to meet your superhero husband.

The title of the book might suggest it is about parenting or tips for school advancement, but I believe it teaches us much more about the nature of family and has given kindness and courage to many people.

As an aside, last year you gave your family a summer vacation assignment: "100 things you want to do in your life," complete with certificates and prize money!
It sounded so fun that I decided to participate as well. (It took quite a while, so it became my winter vacation assignment 😅)

It is truly a wonderful family that can come up with such fun projects and have all the children participate! By reading them, you can get a glimpse into your children's feelings and wishes, can't you?
But 100 was tough 💦

Finally, I am filled with both emotion and gratitude for having been able to read such a wonderful book.
I would love to share more, but that would be a spoiler... It is definitely a book I want many people to read 📚

I pray that you will continue to take care of yourself and not push your body too hard.

#GoodThingsAboutNote

#RecommendedReading