Like Nezumi Kozo: Days of Balancing Work and Family
Just around that time, my eldest daughter had been in elementary school for a little while,
so I was very curious about students of the same age,
and since it was my first time seeing the work of school teachers,
I remember it being a struggle, but also fun, as if I had come to a completely different world.
Then, a few months passed, and I worked as a school nurse at Toyohama Elementary School and then Utsumi Junior High School as a maternity leave replacement in different locations.
I wonder if that is what they call being completely absorbed in something.
Every day was a desperate struggle.
When I would finish my housework and get ready to leave,
I could somehow manage to see my eldest daughter in elementary school off,
but my second daughter, who attended nursery school, was looked after by our neighbor, Mrs. Morisaki, who would take her and pick her up.
Every day, I would come home and stand in the kitchen to prepare dinner without even taking off my coat.
Perhaps she found my quick movements amusing,
but my eldest daughter once said, 'Mom, you're like Nezumi Kozo from a period drama.'
Both my eldest and second daughters were looked after at Mrs. Morisaki's house until I returned home.
They both loved Mrs. Morisaki's house so much
that even when I went to pick them up, they would say, 'I don't want to go home. I want to stay at the lady's house.'
Sometimes they would even have dinner there.
I felt guilty, but I was truly helped by her.
There are many young mothers working today,
and I think every day is truly difficult for them.
I was able to keep going because I happened to have a very kind neighbor named Mrs. Morisaki.
While I was thinking about how I could somehow repay her, Mrs. Morisaki passed away.
Now, as an old woman, I am always encouraged by the wife of Mrs. Morisaki's eldest son, who reaches out to me.
It seems that our family has lived by being helped so, so much by the Morisaki family.
Neighbors are truly a blessing.
I sincerely pray that all of you can also live surrounded by such kindness.
From Kimi-chan