50代の主婦が一人娘の成長について振り返る。娘が巣立つときは寂しかったが、今はバイトや趣味、夫との時間を楽しんでいる。娘が母の日に感謝の気持ちを伝えなくなったが、それは成長の一環だと受け入れていた。突然、感謝のメッセージを受け取り、涙を流す。子育て中はバタバタしていて悩みも多かったが、娘からのメッセージで自分のやってきたことが正しかったと感じる。母の日は子供たちに感謝の気持ちを伝える大切さを気づかせる日だと気づく。
I am a housewife in my 50s, currently living with my husband. Our daughter, Yuuka, is in her second year as a working adult. She used to commute to college from home, but started living on her own after graduating. I felt a little lonely when she left the nest, but now I have settled down and enjoy part-time work, hobbies, and time with my husband. When she was younger, Yuuka used to express her gratitude on Mother’s Day, but stopped doing so once she became a teenager. I don’t worry too much about it, as I see it as part of her growth.
As Yuuka entered her teens, Mother’s Day traditions faded. I accepted it as part of her growth, thinking as long as she was okay, it was fine.
Family’s well-being is enough… I thought as I prepared dinner. A message from Yuuka…
Opening the message from Yuuka…?
The message was filled with gratitude towards me. “I’m sorry I couldn’t express my feelings on Mother’s Day.” I appreciate everything! Stay well!” In that moment, tears welled up in my eyes.
During the parenting years, every day was chaotic. There were times when I took my actions for granted and got angry, or scolded a child impulsively. In the midst of uncertainties, I constantly reflected and searched for my own answers.
I argued that there was no need to celebrate Mother’s Day, but also thought that celebrating it might bring joy. And… this way, I can eventually share it with my children.
I ended up spending Mother’s Day without doing much. I accepted this as part of my daughter’s growth, and embraced it as part of life. However, when Yuuka, in her second year as a working adult, sent a sudden message of gratitude on Mother’s Day, tears flowed from my eyes upon reading it.
Parenting was truly hectic every day, and even when reflecting on it, new worries arose… it was hard to find peace. Not knowing what was right or wrong, I devoted myself fully to the task at hand. Discovering that these small accumulations stayed in my daughter’s heart even as she grew up, today was the best Mother’s Day! I look forward to watching over my daughter from afar.
The day to convey these feelings to our children may not be today, or tomorrow, or in five years, or ten years, or even sooner, but that day will surely come. Mother’s Day made me realize that.
Original text: Mamastar Community Script: Tae Watanabe Illustration: Ponko Editing: Mika Yokouchi