[Celebrating Yuzu-san's First Essay Book] Turning Many Tears into Abundant Love
Good morning 😃
As I mentioned in my post yesterday, on March 22nd, my note friend Yuzu-san's first essay book, "If a High School Graduate Couple Raises Their Children Normally, Their 3 Children Can Get Into National and Public Universities," was released 🎉
https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/%E3%82%86%E3%81%9A/dp/4344936116
(Please forgive me, I couldn't embed the link properly ↑)
I first learned about Yuzu-san when I ended my two-and-a-half-year hiatus from note and decided to"start posting to help reduce the number of people who commit suicide, even if it's just one person."
That was when I had made up my mind and started wandering around the note community.
I thought, 'Wow, there's a very glamorous noter whose comment section is buzzing and whose articles are incredibly popular.'
That was my first impression of Yuzu-san.
Still feeling the effects of my time as a note shut-in, I thought, 'No, she's probably someone I have no connection with.'
With that feeling, we didn't really follow each other or exchange comments.
But back then, I was still carrying anxieties about raising my children.
Yuzu, who posts articles about her loving family, seemed a bit too dazzling, and I felt I couldn't quite get close to her.
Perhaps I was being cynical, without even properly reading her profile.
That fateful encounter on the morning of August 22nd at 7:58 AM.
Until that day when we saw each other's articles at the exact same time and left comments at the same moment.
After reading Yuzu's article submitted to Keiko Emura's 'Beloved Family' project, I realized that I hadn't actually forgiven my mother in the depths of my heart, despite thinking I had reconciled with her, and that lingering resentment still remained.
Then, that evening, while I was helping Keiko Emura, who was participating in the Note Marche, I was able to meet Yuzu for the first time through the screen.
And I realized that Yuzu treats her family with such love, not because she was raised with love, but rather, precisely because the opposite was true.not because she was raised with love, but rather, precisely because the opposite was true,that is what I realized.
From there, my interaction with Yuzu slowly began.
While juggling work and writing, she interacts with many other Noters, participates in projects, reads comments thoroughly, and leaves warm responses.
And she is currently suffering from a progressive designated intractable disease.
And yet, why is this person always so warm and glowing?
But beneath that warmth, I have always felt a very strong, solid core to Yuzu's powerful message.
Since the period when I was writing my own book overlapped with hers, how many times was my heart encouraged by the mutual support I shared with Yuzu.
Yuzu's book is not just a parenting book.
It is also a book that looks back on her life so far.
In the midst of an unimaginably harsh upbringing, how many tears must she have shed?
How many of those countless tears has she transformed into abundant love?
What she wants to convey by facing a painful past she would rather not confront, and turning it into a book.
It is this: No matter how difficult your upbringing was, and even if you are facing adversity again now, you can still love the family you have chosen with all your heart.
I felt that strong sentiment of Yuzu's through her notes, our interactions, and this book.
Six months ago, when I was feeling anxious about raising my children, Yuzu's posts gave me so much courage.
A heartwarming essay reflecting on the upbringing of her three unique children.
Yuzu's dreams. The way she never forgets to take on new challenges, no matter her age.
It is a wonderful essay book packed with so many sides of Yuzu.
Congratulations on your publication, Yuzu. And truly, thank you for all your hard work.
You are always working so hard for others. Please take even just a brief moment to rest and heal from your fatigue.
I am grateful to have met you, Yuzu✨✨✨
I am grateful to Keiko Emura for bringing us together✨✨✨
Thank you so much for reading this far✨✨✨