AIKO was just six years old when he disembarked with his parents and three other siblings in the Port of Santos (SP), in 1927, from distant Japan. Only his older brother did not accompany them because he was attending college. At that time, it was said in Japan that Brazil was a huge country, with a lot of land, a very good place, with a lot of riches.
Still a child, illiterate and with a world of unknowns and fears ahead of him, mixed with dreams and hopes typical of his age, he soon came face to face with the harsh reality of facing a vast, inhospitable and totally unknown country that was Brazil. She worked on the farm since she was little, could barely learn her first letters, got married when she was still young through her parents' will and arrangement, as was customary, and has since assumed the responsibilities of taking care of a new family, with all the implications and complications that come with it. marriage entailed at that time, which included, in addition to many obligations, that of providing daily food for eight people, who were part of the family cell.
Despite all the difficulties faced and even with small children to raise, she has always been a warrior, working alongside her husband, 10 to 12 hours a day, from sunrise to sunset, without any time off, running the family's small business and even when he started to work as an employee, upon moving to the Capital of São Paulo, she sought an independent activity, as a seamstress, to help with the family budget, since men (husband and father-in-law) earned very little, due to lack of specialization .
With admirable determination and willpower, he managed to get his five children to study in public schools. And, all of them, encouraged by their parents' sacrifice, went to work during the day and attend college at night, to obtain the highly valued higher education diploma, which is essential for success in their professional careers. The three oldest got married and gave D. Aiko wonderful grandchildren, who have also graduated and are well on their way in their careers. She even has great-grandchildren, providing her with immense happiness and satisfaction in seeing her family come to fruition, in a harmonious and balanced way and, above all, maintaining family ties, so valued by Japanese culture.
Even so, D. Aiko did not stray from her usual duties. And, despite receiving her small pension and being able to enjoy a fair and well-deserved rest, she continues to maintain her years-long routine, getting up at dawn, going to the bakery, making coffee for her single children who continue to live with her, preparing lunch, washing and ironing, walking to the market and the supermarket and, still doing physical exercises at the Community Center and, when he has some time left, he still goes to play gate-ball with his group of friends who have been getting smaller and smaller in the recent years, due to the death of one or another. “It's getting boring. Only me will be left”, she says regretfully!
However, what she enjoys most today, besides spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-granddaughters, is going for walks, traveling, going to restaurants from time to time and participating in events at the Kaikan of the Nagasaki Association, in SP. He is ready for all this and much more. Her physical and mental agility is worthy of admiration, as demonstrated by the expression she frequently utters, faithfully portraying the philosophy of her life: “God can take me whenever he wants! I'm ready, I'm not afraid, because I think I've already accomplished all my missions here on Earth! “, letting out a loud laugh. “I’ve been back to Japan three times!”, complementing the reasoning.
And D. Aiko is “only” 96 years old.
This intro was intended to highlight that old age, today sympathetically called Third Age, is a phase of life in which an increasing number of people tend to enter. She has charms that a new vision of the world and a renewed attitude help her discover, leading some to consider her the “ best age ”. For those who perceive its arrival, what is important is the state of mind that will welcome this new phase, knowing how you will enjoy it, whether intensely or more calmly, it doesn't matter if you are 70, 80 or more years old.
Think of yourself not as an old man, but just as a person with a little more experience. Whatever age we are, we are always getting older. Take advantage of your age and knowledge. Live this magical age to the fullest.
By the way, the aforementioned D. AIKO, who is also affectionately called D.MARIA by those closest to her, is my dear mother.
© 2017 Katsuo Higuchi
