I live with my husband, who works full-time, and enjoy a pretty easygoing life doing part-time work during the week. My oldest son, Koji, has three daughters with his wife, Keiko. My daughter, Nao, is ten years younger than Koji and has a three-year-old daughter, Rin, with her husband, Kazunari.
Koji and Nao live less than an hour apart by car, and Nao often takes Rin to visit Koji’s family. I’ve always hoped that after my husband and I are gone, the two of them will stay close, support each other, and continue their sibling bond.
All we ever wanted was for Koji and Nao to stay close for the rest of their lives. One day, we’ll be gone. When that time comes, I pray they’ll be there for each other.
That’s why I’m truly grateful Nao has been trying so hard to keep a good relationship with Koji’s family. But whenever Keiko gets involved, it feels like everything Nao does gets dismissed. For Nao’s sake—and for the future of my grandchildren—I realized I might have to step in myself.