６月10日、時の記念日。
予定日よりも早く生まれた赤ちゃんは、周囲の期待に反して女の子だった。
出生届の期限日まで名前も決まっておらず、「時子」になりかけたところ、
「それはあまりに安易過ぎる」と横槍を入れた叔母のおかげで、美香と命名された。
大人になるまで、意外と「同じ誕生日」の人に出会う機会がなかったけれど、
さすがに半世紀を生きていると、たくさんの「時の記念日生まれ」に遭遇した。
入梅の時期、幼少の頃から盛大な誕生会などしてもらったことなかったけれど、
ひと言「おめでとう」と言ってもらえるだけで、とても心が弾む。
今年の誕生日は、親友が家に呼んでくれて、お祝いしてくれた。
そしてたくさんの友人が、メッセージを送ってくれた。
もう十分に生きてきたなと、自分の半生を振り返る日。
「紫陽花を見るとあなたの誕生日を思い出すわ」と母が手紙に書いてきたっけ。
先祖代々「誕生日は母に感謝する日」と教えられてきた我が家で、
この世に生んでくれた母に「ありがとう」を伝えられないことだけが寂しい。
June 10 is the "anniversary of time."
The baby was born earlier than the due date, and contrary to the expectations of those around her, it was a girl.
Her name had not been decided until the day the birth certificate was due, and she was about to be named "Tokiko,
Thanks to her aunt, who interrupted her and said, "That is too easy," she was named Mika.
I never had a chance to meet anyone with the same birthday until I became an adult,
However, after living for half a century, I have encountered many people born on the "anniversary of the time."
As it was in the rainy season, I have never had a big birthday party since I was a child,
But just one word of "Happy Birthday" is enough to make my heart happy.
My best friend invited me to her house this year to celebrate my birthday.
Many of my friends sent me messages.
It was a day to reflect on my half-life and think I have already lived enough.
My mother wrote, "The hydrangea reminds me of your birthday.
In my family, our ancestors have always taught us that our birthday is a day to thank our mothers,
I only miss being unable to say "thank you" to my mother for bringing me into this world.
