This morning in Urasoe, Okinawa, the weather was sunny, with a temperature of around 30°C and humidity around 67%, making for a morning with the muggy heat typical of this time of year. Unlike the mainland, where autumn is deepening, Okinawa continues to enjoy sunshine reminiscent of summer. On the other hand, you can sense a slight shift in the seasons in the mornings and evenings, and this is a time when daily routines are easily influenced by the weather. Today, I’d like to share what this morning was like and record a glimpse of our daily life in long-term care.
☀️ Morning in Minatogawa and the Air That Hints at Fall
The weather was beautiful from the moment I woke up this morning. When I opened my eyes and looked outside, the sky was clear and stretched out in a refreshing blue. As October draws to a close, the morning air has begun to carry a faint hint of fall.
Even so, the Okinawan sunshine is still going strong. The light streaming onto the balcony was so intense that it was almost blinding first thing in the morning. Although the air has become a bit crisper, it looks like the heat will linger through the day.
🍞 My Usual Breakfast with Mom
I woke up early this morning, turned on the TV news, and started the washing machine. After that, I opened the windows on the balcony side and the entrance side to let fresh air circulate throughout the house.
Once I’d finished getting everything ready, I woke my mom up.
“Wake up~”
When I called out to her, she managed to get up, grumbling a little as usual. First, I urged her to use the restroom, and while she was in there, I prepared breakfast.
Mom wanted green tea. I set out the Anno sweet potato bread I’d bought yesterday, and I prepared my favorite Nakayoshi bread and coffee for myself.
I also placed an offering at my dad’s Buddhist altar as part of my morning greeting and put my hands together in prayer. Then I tried to get Mom to eat breakfast, but
“I’m still sleepy~”
she said, and wouldn’t budge.
“Just eat this and take your medicine—you can go back to sleep afterward.”
When I said that, she finally got moving.
It’s not an extraordinary event in the daily routine of caregiving, but these little interactions have become a precious part of every morning.
👕 The view I saw while hanging up the laundry
After breakfast, I took my medicine and went out onto the balcony to hang up the laundry.
Today is a perfect day for laundry. The sky was clear, and it looked like the clothes would dry thoroughly. Checking the weather forecast, I saw that the weather is expected to take a turn for the worse starting tomorrow, and I’m also concerned about the potential impact of a typhoon. With that in mind, I thought, “I should hang it up while I can.”
After a while, my mother came out to the balcony too, and we started hanging up the laundry together.
After we finished, the two of us stood there in silence for a while, gazing outside. Even without words, there’s a certain sense of comfort in spending time together, looking at the same view.
🚐 Getting Ready for Day Care
Today is my mother’s day for day care.
I plan to start getting ready now so I’ll be ready to pick her up this afternoon. After I drop her off, I should have some time to go shopping or run my own errands.
While free time is limited when caring for a family member, I feel it’s important to make the most of that time.
🌴 Things to Keep in Mind in Okinawa This Time of Year
In October in Okinawa, while mornings and evenings are pleasant, it’s not uncommon for temperatures to rise to nearly 30°C during the day. Also, since this is the tail end of typhoon season, the weather can change suddenly.
For families providing care, it’s a good idea to get tasks like laundry and shopping done all at once on sunny days for peace of mind. Also, since older adults may not always notice changes in temperature, it’s important to pay close attention to their hydration and maintaining a comfortable room temperature.
💖 Summary
This morning in Minatogawa was a peaceful one—even amidst the strong sunlight, I could sense a hint of autumn.
Breakfast with my mother, hanging laundry on the balcony, and quietly gazing at the sky. These are simple, everyday moments, but I feel that it’s the accumulation of these moments that sustains my life as a caregiver.
Today, too, I want to take it easy and cherish every moment of the day.
A weekly pill organizer is a simple but very helpful item for caregiving families. It makes daily medication management easier and helps reduce the risk of missed doses. For seniors and caregivers alike, staying organized with medications can make everyday routines much smoother.
A motion sensor night light is a practical addition to any home with older adults. It automatically lights up hallways, bedrooms, or bathrooms at night, helping prevent trips and falls. It’s an affordable safety upgrade that provides extra peace of mind for both caregivers and family members.
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