A Letter to a Friend before Surgery

Dear Imaichi,

Thank you so much for your letter.

I was sorry to hear that you’ve been admitted to the hospital and that your surgery is scheduled for tomorrow.  I can imagine you're feeling a little nervous, even if you're observing yourself with curiosity.  I sincerely hope everything goes smoothly and that you recover gently and steadily.

Your calm and thoughtful perspective reminded me of my own experience with my husband’s surgery a few years ago.  He underwent a prostate removal surgery under general anesthesia after a sudden health episode.  What was supposed to be a three-to-four-hour operation ended up taking six hours. While he was in surgery, I waited at the hospital, and I still remember how uneasy I felt when several people in mourning clothes passed by.  Of course, that’s a part of life in hospitals, but it left a deep impression on me.



Thankfully, my husband recovered little by little. He now requires some care, but we’ve settled into a peaceful daily routine.  Going through health challenges together has made me even more aware of how precious good health is.

Your words about hot springs and cruise ships truly resonated with me.  I also love being surrounded by nature and enjoying time away from the noise of everyday life.  Soaking in a hot spring or spending quiet moments reading with a drink in hand—those are such special experiences.

I’ll be thinking of you and sending warm thoughts your way as you head into surgery.  Take your time to rest and recover.  I look forward to hearing from you again when you're feeling up to it.

Warmly,
Okamey

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