My child participated in the sports festival.

I really wondered if he would be able to make it...
The day arrived, and I was nervous.

He woke up without me having to wake him,
put on his gym clothes, and left.

Shortly after, my husband and I
headed to the school on our bicycles.

It was my first time
attending a school event in a while.
It had actually been two years.

When he was in his first year of junior high,
we snuck into the school building like ninjas,
hid under the window frame in the classroom so no one would notice us, and watched the sports festival.

When he was in his second year of junior high,
my son went to school by himself and watched from the headquarters tent.

And then,
third year of junior high.
My son started going back to school about two weeks ago.
His determination was strong, and although he seemed like he was going to give up many times,
he kept going to school until now and reached this day.

The weather was slightly cloudy, but it was sunny.
The temperature was just right, and the breeze was refreshing.

When we arrived at the school grounds, I could see
my son sitting under the tent for the students.

He is actually participating!

Is this reality?!

I have been with him since the time he said, "I will never be able to go back to school,"
so I am surprised by this change.

People can change when they have a goal or something like a dream.

Thinking about how difficult it is to go to school, this feels like a "miracle."
Many people have been involved in helping him.

The school teachers, the counselor at the educational consultation office, the teachers at the educational support center, the staff at the free school, and his friends.

We were supported by so many people through days that were too painful for our family alone.
It wasn't just him; I was supported as well.

My son looked a bit nervous even from a distance today, but he was calm.
The 100-meter dash, the relay, the centipede race, the long-rope jumping.
He participated in many events.
I thought, he is wonderful...
And,
I felt grateful.

The sports festival lasted about three hours, and I stood and cheered the whole time.
Honestly, my lower back got tired and hurt.
I am getting older, little by little.
I suppose that's natural, since my son is 15.

Being able to watch over him the whole time
while getting tired like this
makes me happy.

Thank you.
I don't think there is any greater happiness for a mother than this.