Gratitude to my grandchild

A gift from my adorable grandchild🎁

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April 11th DAY 61

Today, all our relatives have gathered at Sakakibara Onsen for my father-in-law's 20th memorial service and my mother-in-law's first anniversary.

My brother-in-law booked a wonderful inn, and it was supposed to be a day to relax and enjoy the hot springs.

However, an unexpected event shook my heart deeply.

It happened while I was alone in my room, eating soft-serve ice cream and trying to write feedback (FF) for my students.

My brother and his wife entered the room without any hesitation and started talking.
And not just once, but twice.

In that moment, I felt a strong sense of discomfort, and memories from the past came flooding back all at once.

"Why do they always barge into people's personal space like this?"
"Do they think that just because I'm younger, everything is forgiven?"

Those thoughts overflowed all at once, and before I knew it, I had become emotional.

Later, my son told me, "You were speaking quite harshly."

At that time, I was just filled with feelings of unforgiveness.

Furthermore, my soft-serve ice cream was melting—
Even such a small thing caused my heart to be even more disturbed.

But my grandchild had been watching the whole thing quietly.

Seeing me looking dejected, my grandchild quietly approached me and said,

"Grandma, cheer up."

And then, they used their own pocket money to buy a soft-serve ice cream,
and brought it for me.

I am sure that after seeing what happened earlier,
they were thinking of me.

My heart was filled with their kindness.
Tears came to my eyes.

Today's events taught me how much my "cognitive habits" and "past emotions"
influence the present.

At the same time, it showed me that no matter what, people's kindness can reach you so directly.

There are days when things don't go perfectly.
There are days when emotions are shaken.

Even so, there are people who bring my heart back to center like this.

Today was a day that made me realize such important things.

Thank you.