Today’s Events｜Seeing Off My Brother and Mom’s Little Efforts

🌅 Morning Preparations and Seeing Off My Brother

This morning was the day my brother returned to Tokyo. Mom insisted she absolutely wanted to see him off, so we started preparing slowly from the morning. Calling out loudly didn’t make it easy, but Mom managed to get up and join us.

Breakfast was rolled omelet, grilled salmon, and Spam pork. Mom ate properly, took her medicine, changed clothes, and we set off.

Traffic flow wasn’t bad, but Naha Airport’s parking lot was full—only the rooftop level had spaces. Departure rush and arrivals collided, making the airport area extremely crowded. Lots of young people made me feel it was graduation trip season. Many overseas tourists were also present, with visitors from Taiwan particularly noticeable.

While drinking coffee and orange juice at the airport restaurant, Mom gazed out the window at the planes and murmured, “I wonder where those are going~.”

When it was time, we saw my brother off at the entrance. Mom kept waving until he disappeared from view. In that gesture, I sensed her own quiet sadness and tenderness.

🛒 Shopping at AEON Naha

After the send-off, Mom said she wanted to buy something, so we went to AEON Naha. When I asked what she wanted at the 100-yen shop, she said, “I want a small spoon.” It seems she plans to bring the leftover jelly from Dad’s first anniversary memorial to tomorrow’s “Hundred-Year-Old Exercise” for everyone to share. I was touched by her thoughtful gesture.

🍽️ Lunch at the Food Court

We went straight to the food court. Mom said, “I don’t need it, I won’t eat,” but I ordered anyway and shared a little with her.

While I was deciding what to eat, Mom said, “I’ll eat potatoes,” so I chose Zetteria’s “Four-Cheese Hamburger Steak Lunch.” Since the potatoes could be upgraded to a large size for free, I went to order. A young staff member guided me, saying, “It’s touch-panel ordering.”

Since it wasn’t busy, the staff member came out from behind the counter and kindly showed us how to use it. Mom muttered, “I couldn’t do that myself,” looking a bit uneasy, but we managed to place the order successfully.

While waiting, I noticed the digital sign and learned “Zetteria” is short for “Cafeteria of Delicious Hamburgers.” This little discovery made me feel warm and fuzzy.

🏠 Afternoon at Home

When I got home after noon, Mom said, “I’m going to take a nap,” and immediately lay down. She must have been exhausted from the hectic few days.

The house grew quiet, and we returned to just the two of us for the first time in a while.

I didn’t have the energy to open my laptop either, so I just lounged around watching videos on my phone. After a short nap, I was browsing online when it was already dinner time. We ate something simple, she took her medicine, and is now relaxing.

🌙 Mom’s Whisper and Thoughts About Next Week

As night fell, Mom murmured, “It’s lonely being just the two of us again, isn’t it?”

The quiet after my brother left might feel a little unsettling for her.

But starting next week,

– Day Care

– Lively Health Club

– Centenarian Exercises

her usual rhythm will return.

Once she gets back into that flow, the loneliness should gradually fade.

📝 Summary

Today began with seeing my brother off and was filled with many small acts of my mother’s determination.
Her waving goodbye at the airport, her thoughtfulness in buying spoons for the centenarian exercises, and her tiredness leading her to sleep right away. Each moment showed her kindness and the pace that comes with her age.

I myself, perhaps still feeling the lingering fatigue from the first anniversary memorial, could only take it easy in the afternoon. But I think it’s okay to have days like this.
Starting next week, it will be enough to gradually get back into our usual rhythm together with Mom.