[School Non-Attendance/Safe Space] Straightforwardly sharing feelings of 'thank you' at the end-of-year meeting.

The discussion held yesterday at the local safe space was a very warm gathering where hearts truly connected.

Rather than a sterile meeting, we shared our feelings of gratitude,

and everyone together,

saying things like, '◯◯ (my son) has so many wonderful qualities!'

'It's fun for us too when we're with ◯◯!'

It was a simple, heartwarming atmosphere where we all spoke up about things that made our hearts feel warm and fuzzy.

Rather than being composed of people strictly holding professional qualifications, this staff is made up of fun uncles and aunts from our small town,

which feels similar to the friendly neighbors I knew when I was a child.

Just yesterday, I posted an article saying, 'I seem to be on edge with my sympathetic nervous system flared up due to the busy meetings and preparations for the new fiscal year,' but

even in such times, it was a moment that felt like it had just the right amount of 'relaxation elements'.

At the beginning of the discussion, I was asked to speak first, so I shared what came to mind on the spot.

Thinking back on it now, it might have been closer to a 'speech of gratitude' than a list of goals or requests.

If I were to summarize and put it into words here,

from the perspective of someone whose child became unable to go to elementary school—the only educational facility in town—starting in second grade, and who spent at least the next four years mostly just the two of us, mother and son, through trial and error,

I shared things like this frankly while looking at everyone's faces, without getting emotional.

Then, midway through, one of the staff members, a woman who is always kind and cheerful, blinked her eyes and quietly wiped away tears.

I had intended to just speak my mind naturally,

but perhaps the 'thank you' born from those days of real struggle came across directly.

It seems I touched their hearts.

The others were nodding along as well.

The subsequent discussion unfolded just as I wrote earlier, with everyone,

finding the good in each other♪

in a friendly and harmonious atmosphere like that😊

Ah, what a warm place this is.

I'm so glad I met these people,

and I realized that we are supported by our community.

I left the place feeling deeply moved.

Honestly, when you live in the countryside and it's difficult to attend a public school, it's so incredibly tough that I don't even know how to describe it.

I know we will face more hardships in the future, but for now,

I felt once again how incredibly grateful I am for the support of this safe space!

I felt that very strongly.

It made me so happy.

Thank you for reading until the end😊