As I've entered the stage of being called a senior, the term "elderly" often accompanies my descriptions.
During the pandemic, I received a vaccination voucher before the younger generation did. Whether I was conscious of it or not, it made me realize I had indeed become an elderly person.
"Old soldiers never die, they just fade away." This famous quote from MacArthur sometimes makes me wonder if it's true for me as well.
Throughout the years, my family and I have provided ample guidance to the young professionals at our office. We've continually witnessed their growth. I began to feel that perhaps it's time for us to "fade away" gracefully.
We had initially planned to live out our days in an old traditional single-story house on the Boso Peninsula.
But our plans took several unexpected turns.
Firstly, our eldest daughter who lives in Zushi suggested, "Living in Boso might be too far. Considering the future,
wouldn't it be better to live closer to us?" She usually proposes things that are hard to argue against.
"The Miura Peninsula, huh? Shonan, surfers... It's not quite the image we had in mind..." "There's [location], a place I think you'd like."
While we were still pondering over this, she involved her 91-year-old grandmother, my mother-in-law.
My mother-in-law confided in her granddaughter something she couldn't say to her eldest son. She expressed her desire to live in a senior home where she can feel the sea breeze.
With that revelation, our decision was almost made for us.
We found out that my mother-in-law wished to live in a senior home in Kanagawa, not too far from our daughter's family.
It's hard to ignore the wishes of a 91-year-old, and there's no point in us living alone in Boso.
The situation wasn't as flexible as before.
Next week, representatives from the senior home will interview my mother-in-law, with my family present.
Personally, I am relieved to ensure my late father-in-law's wishes for her well-being are realized.
By the end of next week, we'll be visiting a quiet, small town in Kanagawa's Nakagun.
A real estate agent will guide us through potential properties. I'd be elated if this peaceful town becomes our final residence.
I hope to feel a connection to this land. If it draws me in, if it feels like encountering a lover, I'd be delighted.