Our daughter is now a year and a half old. Looking back, what I feel most deeply these days is an overwhelming sense of gratitude toward her.
Simply because every single day we spend together is filled with joy, surprise, and color.
Watching her grow a little more each day. Seeing the endless expressions that dance across her face. Hearing the unexpected words she invents and watching the little things she does that make us laugh. Nothing brings me greater happiness than seeing my wife and daughter smiling together. The fact that scenes like these have become part of our everyday life feels like an incredible blessing.
The other day, we visited her great-grandmother. Once again, our daughter had the entire family laughing with her spontaneous remarks and playful antics. Even as her parent, I find myself amazed by her ability to brighten a room the moment she walks into it.
That’s why I tell her “Thank you” every single day.
After we read a picture book together, I say, “Thank you.”
After we share a meal, I say, “Thank you.”
She always answers with her own adorable version: “Aa-to.”
I don’t know how much she understands the meaning of those words just yet. But hearing her little voice echo them back is enough to fill my heart with warmth.
There will surely be tears, setbacks, and difficult days ahead.
Even so, I have a feeling—one that doesn’t need any proof—that we’ll keep smiling and saying, “Wasn’t today fun?”
Rei, thank you so much for coming into our lives.
— Hisashi Makimori
