３月４月は、別れと出会いの季節

　学生時代も、仕事に就いてた現役時代も卒業式が行われ、この３月～４月はで別れの季節であり、一方、新たな出会いの季節でした。この頃の別れは、いつかは暫くぶりに同窓会で再会したり、どこかでバッタリ会ったこともありました。出会いについては私の場合、職場の人事異動により、誠に素晴らしい人との出会いがあり、退職後においても、生涯の生き方を左右するほど彼らから受けた影響は今でも続いています。ところが、退職後に於いての別れとは永遠の別れを意味します。

　昨日は、地区の集まりである「生き生き健幸クラブ」で、今の時季に相応しく「仰げば尊し」を皆さん半世紀以上振りに懐かしそうに歌ってました。また、「母さんの歌」や「里の秋」を歌い、年数が経過しても忘れることのない母さん、父さんの歌詞にほろりと来て、しみじみと懐かしい昔を偲んでいるように見えました。こう考えると、この世はいつも別れの連続でもあると気づきます。しかし、この寂しさを救うことはあります。

　高齢期に至っても、いつになっても「新たな出会いが心を強く、心を豊かにしてくれ」、これによって生きる力が湧いてきてます。私も最近の新たな出会いで心強く生きられ、誠に感謝してます。

　今年度も今日を入れて後５日。この一年を振り返ると、ラジオ体操や倉賀野町を歩くウォーキングは続けられました。このため有難いことに、まずまずの健康で過ごせてます。しかし、運動に比べ、勉強の方はどうでしょう。ピアノも英単語の記憶もやっているだけで、それ程進歩は見えません。しかし、「継続は力なり」を信じて４月からも続けます。一方、植物の世話は十分にでき、ご覧の通り、開花という褒美をもらってる日々です。

Dear my friends who have experienced many farewells.

　During my student days and my working years, graduation ceremonies were held, making March and April a season of farewells, but also a season of new encounters. These farewells often led to reunions at class reunions or unexpected encounters here and there. In my case, workplace personnel changes led to truly wonderful encounters, and their influence continues to shape my life even after retirement. However, farewells after retirement signify eternal parting.

　Yesterday, at the "Lively Healthy Club," whici is a local gathering, everyone sang "Aogeba Toutoshi" which is a traditional Japanese graduation song for the first time in over half a century, a fitting song for this season of year. They also sang "Mother's Song" and "Autumn in the Village," which includes the lyrics about mothers and fathers. These songs remain unforgettable even now, and brought tears to many eyes, as they fondly reminisced about the past. Thinking about it, I realize that this world is a continuous series of farewells. However, there are ways to alleviate this loneliness.

　Even in old age, no matter how old we are, "new encounters strengthen and enrich our heart," and this gives us the strength to live. I, too, have recently been strengthened by new encounters with such as Ms. L and Ms. S, so I am truly grateful.

There are only five days left in this academic year, including today. Looking back on this academic year, I was able to continue with radio gymnastics and walking around Kuragano-town. Thanks to this, I've been able to maintain fairly good health.

　However, compared to these trainings, how about studying? I'm just doing piano and memorizing English new vocabularies, but I didn't see much progress. However, I believe that "Persistence pays off," therefore, I will continue from next April as well. On the other hand, I've been able to take good care of my plants, and as you can see, I'm being rewarded with the sight of them blooming every day.