Don't deny the pain, just look toward what lies beyond it

"I don't know what's normal anymore. With every day like this..."

My son once muttered that.

My high school son's school festival went online, and he couldn't go on his school trip.

He doesn't usually complain much, but...

When the school trip was canceled after repeated changes to the schedule and destination.

"It's impossible that we can't go. It's the school trip.
It's the last one.
It's a trip I was supposed to go on with everyone.

...I wanted to go..."

The frustration of my son, who values his friends, came through clearly.

His 17-year-old, sparkling time was lost.

A calamity that covered the whole world equally.
Everyone is suffering.
I know that.

Even so, that doesn't mean it's easy to accept.

Depending on the country or the job, there are situations that are even more painful.

But please, don't compare.

Because for each and every person, that pain is different.

"Because we haven't had any infections in our house"
"Because my work is continuing"
That may be true.
But that doesn't mean everything is fine.

I want to turn my thoughts toward those who are suffering more.

But I also don't want to overlook the pain that has no shape.

I think last year and the year before were years of loss.

Unable to go on trips, unable to meet friends.

Unable to hold parties, unable to go to karaoke.

Eating out decreased, and we couldn't go out for drinks at night.

Everyone has given up on different things.

It was painful, it was sad, and it was hard.

Acknowledge that.

Do not deny those gloomy, inexpressible feelings.

It hurts.
It is tough.

Let us accept it ourselves.
Even if you cannot embrace it.

I will not say that this experience will make you stronger.

I just want to believe in the future.


Playing around with friends, hugging them from behind.

Walking while laughing out loud.

Singing, talking, and connecting.

So that such things can be done naturally and as a matter of course.

I hope we can meet this year.
The friends I gave up on last year.

I hope I can go.
On the trip I gave up on.

I want to go outside.
Me too.

My son is planning a graduation trip with his friends.
I hope they can go.

The notebook I received as a Christmas present from my son.

When I opened the first page, there were these words.

My son, who is not good with words, said this, and my heart was full.

Yes, let's make memories together, even as a family!

*The illustration was borrowed from Suzu Kakuta. Thank you very much.