This morning in Urasoe, Okinawa, the weather is partly sunny, with temperatures around 26°C and humidity around 70%, creating a comfortable atmosphere typical of this time of year. In Okinawa during this season, there are often significant temperature differences between morning/evening and daytime, and the weather can be unstable as we approach the end of typhoon season, so daily routines tend to be influenced by the weather. Today, I’ll be documenting this morning’s scene and my daily life as a caregiver.
Mornings in Minatogawa, Urasoe, Okinawa, begin with a glance outside from the balcony. Although there were a few clouds this morning, the sunlight streamed in strongly, and the dazzling morning sun illuminated the town. The temperature wasn’t too high, and the breeze was pleasant; I started the day feeling the refreshing morning atmosphere typical of autumn in Okinawa.
☀️ A Peaceful Morning and the Start of My Caregiving Day
Good morning.
This morning, as usual, I spent some leisurely time watching the news, and then began my morning routine by boiling water in the kettle.
Just like every morning, I start the day by calling out to my mother, “Time to wake up~.” I prepared coffee for myself and warm tea for her. I had her sit in a chair and offered her some bread, but she didn’t reach for it right away.
“I want to sleep~”
That’s the reply I got.
When you’re providing care, exchanges like this aren’t uncommon. Without rushing her, I waited a bit to see how she was doing and then spoke to her again—finally, she started eating. After finishing breakfast and taking her medicine, she lay back down in bed to watch TV. It looks like things will stay this way until around noon today.
🌤️ From Typhoon Forecast to Sunny Forecast
Until a few days ago, the news was full of reports about an approaching typhoon.
I was worried because some forecasts had it heading toward Okinawa, but its path changed significantly afterward. The impact on the main island was minimal, and the forecast has since shifted to a stretch of sunny days.
Changes in the weather can sometimes affect one’s physical condition. Until yesterday, my mother had been complaining of a “headache” and feeling “unwell,” but today she hasn’t mentioned any such symptoms—she just seems very sleepy.
I feel like my mind is a little more at ease when the weather stabilizes. In the daily routine of caregiving, I often have to pay attention not only to the person’s physical condition but also to changes in the weather, which is one of the reasons I check the sky every morning.
💉 A Sense of Relief from a Cold and Vaccinations
Actually, about two weeks ago, both my mother and I were suffering from similar cold symptoms.
We had typical symptoms like fatigue, a sore throat, and a stuffy nose, but we managed to recover with over-the-counter medicine.
My mother, in particular, had received a flu shot shortly before she caught her cold. I think that’s why she didn’t develop severe symptoms.
In Okinawa at this time of year, the flu and seasonal infectious diseases are often in the news, and vaccination notices are sent out to the elderly. This experience really made me realize once again how important it is to take care of our health.
🛒 Shopping in the Afternoon for the First Time in a While
To prevent our colds from getting worse, we’d been staying mostly at home for a while.
But now that we’re feeling better, I plan to take my mother out shopping this afternoon.
Enjoying a shopping trip while breathing in the fresh air is a great way to clear our heads. I hope to gradually get back into our normal routine, without pushing ourselves too hard.
🍂 Practical Tips for Daily Life in Okinawa During This Season
From October through November in Okinawa, while mornings and evenings become more comfortable, there are still days when it’s warm enough to break a sweat during the day. As a result, older adults may not notice these temperature changes as easily and tend to become dehydrated. To stay comfortable, make a point of drinking water frequently even indoors, and open the windows in the morning to ventilate the room. This time of year is also ideal for getting a flu shot and reviewing hand-washing habits. In households providing care, it’s important not only for the care recipient but also for the caregiver to look after their own health.
🌈 Summary
A refreshing morning in Urasoe, Minatogawa, Okinawa.
My usual breakfast, my conversations with my mother, and the calm weather—these simple, everyday moments add up to form the precious time that sustains my life as a caregiver.
Today, too, I’d like to spend the day without pushing myself too hard, while feeling grateful for everything.
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