A Warm Place

Last week was a week of connections with people I miss.

When I got on the train and sat in a seat, there was an elderly lady I knew right in front of me.

I never expected to meet her in a place like this! Such a coincidence is rare.

She was a lady I used to be close with at the gym, where we would often talk and greet each other. I couldn't help but speak to her and say hello.

"Hello, Ms. [Name], do you remember me?"

The lady paused for a moment to think, but then she realized who I was and said,

"...Oh my! Long time no see, how are you?"

She made room for me in the seat next to her. "How is your work going now?"

I was happy that she spoke to me as warmly as ever. In the short time it took to travel two stops, we talked about things like the gym since I had left my job.

It brought to mind the days when we used to have casual conversations like this, and it felt nostalgic.

Since then, some people have changed gyms, and it seems she tried a different one too, but she told me that she felt that particular gym was the right one for her.

She said the atmosphere suited her. She mentioned that while other gyms might be cleaner and have better facilities, something just felt different there.

"That gym is so homey, and the people are so warm, aren't they? ♡"

"Yes, it is♪ It's so warm~"

I shared that same feeling with her.

Yes, perhaps it is because of that human touch that even with connections like this, no matter how many years pass, we can still talk in the same tone as before.

Even within the loose connection of a sports gym, the warmth of people really does permeate the heart...✨

It is sports day season for elementary schools, and I received an invitation to the sports day from the elementary school where I used to work.

A polite, handwritten note was enclosed, and
I received a heartfelt invitation.

Even though I have left the school, I am very happy that they still send invitations
to all of us who have moved on. ♡

Since it varies from school to school,
I am very grateful that they create
such a warm space.

The opportunity to see the children I was involved with until last year and the teachers who took care of me,
I realize that the reason I can visit on such precious occasions
is because I can feel the human warmth there.

I could imagine the welcoming atmosphere,
and I could foresee that everyone would welcome me warmly.

As if drawn to that, I headed to the event
with a peaceful heart and no worries.

From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed with smiles.
Even though the teachers were busy with operations,
they reached out to me in many ways,
which I am truly grateful for.

The children I had worked with also looked surprised,
but immediately, we were communicating in a way that made time feel non-existent,
recalling our time together. ♪

Parents also
greeted me, which made me so happy.

Many other teachers who had left
also came as guests,
and I felt it was a testament to the people, the school's atmosphere, and its warmth.

Although there were difficult times,
the reason I want to visit again like this is

the warmth ♡
the human touch ♡
the comfort ♡

I felt that deeply.

A colleague from my current job was on medical leave.

We only met for about 10 days during training, but colleagues are such reassuring presences,
and I feel they are close people
with whom I can encourage, support, and improve together.

When they went on medical leave,
I regretted that I hadn't talked to them more,
as I had only just gotten to know them,
and I felt a bit of regret that I couldn't be of help.

The other day, I heard the news of their return,
and I sent them words of joy, encouragement, and reassurance as a colleague.

I am happy that we can work hard together again.
I hope to be someone who can continue to help them,
if I may say so myself.

And if they could feel that same sense of security,
so that we can be positioned as colleagues, peers, and friends,
I want to act in a way that makes that ideal a reality.

Seeing a familiar face after such a long time,
filled me with a warm sense of joy and relief.

A friend from when I was 20, whom I was supposed to meet last week.

We didn't go to the same school, and we met as friends of friends,
but we must have shared a vibrant youth together.

We were close for only a few years, but since then,
we have met every few years or so,
and though we rarely contact each other,
our bond remains unbroken, allowing us to reminisce whenever we happen to think of one another.

Even though it wouldn't be strange if we had drifted apart,
we are mysteriously connected, and I am truly grateful for that from the bottom of my heart✨

I was invited to see their newly built home,
and I was so happy that they remembered me.
How many years has it been? Wow, nearly 15 years, right?

I am looking forward to talking about our memories from those days.

During the time we spent together in our youth,
we must have both felt a warmth and comfort
in our hearts.

I am looking forward to our reunion.

Remaining in the heart

Warmth
Sense of security

Perhaps people find
a sense of comfort in that.

People you want to see
People you want to be with
Places you want to go

What makes it so?

“People” and “people,” space, and time
There is something created within that.

Such invisible things,
people surely feel... I am certain.

#PuttingHeartIntoWords
#Yuyu
#Essay
#FacingMyself
#Reunion
#Connection
#Bond
#Encounter
#OnceInALifetime
#Gratitude
#Warmth
#SenseOfSecurity
#Comfort