I stopped by my parents’ house to visit my father-in-law, who is living with Parkinson’s, and to give my mother—his caregiver—a bit of a breather. So, my mom, my sister-in-law, and I went out for a girls’ lunch again.
We all understand just how precious these moments are—when we can laugh together like this. That’s exactly why we avoid topics that might stir up emotions, and we choose not to complain or express dissatisfaction. (Honestly, I don’t think we even feel the urge to complain much.)
We laugh over lighthearted stories, feel grateful for the time we share, and somewhere in that laughter and gratitude, new hope gently arises and starts to expand. It’s such a gift, and I truly appreciate it.
a friend from junior high came to see me. The two of us went shopping and then had dinner together (yes, it was a full day of eating…!).
It had been nearly ten years since we last met, and yet it felt as if we’d just talked yesterday. Our conversation picked up right where we left off—it’s amazing how that happens. I’m so grateful for moments like these.
And actually, this friend of mine is someone who truly embodies a marriage connected by real love.
In our usual chats, she never brings up her husband, and I’ve never heard her talk about doing things as a couple. She lives freely, enjoying travel, movies, and shopping—always with her girlfriends, never with her husband. Right now, due to certain circumstances, they’re even living apart.
And yet, last year, when she was diagnosed with kidney disease and told by her doctor that her kidneys were barely functioning, her husband immediately said, without hesitation, “I’ll give you mine.”
Not because she asked. Not because anyone told him to.
And thanks to him, the surgery went smoothly. Now she’s sitting right in front of me, cheerfully eating delicious pasta and chatting away with the same warm smile I remember from years ago. Watching her like that, I felt a surge of emotion.
Love doesn’t need conditions or expectations.
It doesn’t need to be spoken or shown through actions.
Even when there’s nothing visible on the surface, it can still exist—quietly, deeply, and undeniably.
Their relationship is the perfect example of that kind of unconditional love.
There may be no grand gestures or declarations in their daily life, but when it truly matters, he was willing to give without hesitation. That says more than any conventional “relationship structure” ever could. It speaks to the very essence of love.
We tend to look for love in words or actions, but true love lives in a much quieter, deeper place.
That’s why I have such deep respect for the two of them.
Of course, even with love, not everyone is able to offer a kidney—circumstances matter. So I’m not trying to say this is the “right” form of love. Rather, it’s a reminder that there are many ways to love, and no manual or correct answer. Every couple builds a connection that only they can, in their own unique way.
There’s one more mysterious and unforgettable story I want to share.
When she was in her twenties, she went to see a fortune-teller at a temple. The fortune-teller told her this:
“Your husband is a wonderful man. You should pray for him every day. Be grateful. And wish him good health.”
Back then, she was still young and didn’t really understand what that meant. But now, nearly thirty years later, she finally sees what it was all about.
Isn’t that incredible?