The Power of a Friend

Today, from morning, a classmate came.
His name is Mark.
Ever since Hajime’s been hospitalized he came numerous times.
He encouraged Hajime.
He understands that Hajime can’t speak and he talks to Hajime about various things.
Mark is truly a sweet kid.

Mark promised Hajime that they’ll exercise together.
This morning he kept that promise.

Until yesterday, Hajime’s feelings and his condition weren’t up to it,
but today, without any hesitation agreed and said “I’ll try to get up”.

It took the three of them, the nurse, Hajime’s dad and Mark to help Hajime sit on a chair.
Hajime didn’t show any signs of pain and when Mark gave him the thumbs up,
Hajime also gave Mark the thumbs up!
It was indeed a pleasant sight.

I was reminded of how great and powerful a friend is.
Thank you, thank you very much, Mark and Alice.

And I had some good news today.
We were told before that Hajime has to be operated on again
but it turns out that it seems like he’ll be fine without that surgery.
That surgery, they said, was going to be a complicated surgery
so we were expecting the hospitalization to extend another few weeks at least.
But the surgery that he does need to have is a rather simple one that can be done in the ICU.

In a little while, I think they can take the tube out of his lung
but this will again be painful so I really want him to hang in there again.

And, I thought that Hajime’s feelings are very important.
Today, he was able to watch TV again so I’m thinking that he must be feeling much better too.

I’m so happy to be able to see his smile.


Translated by Christine Shirota