A Small Act of Kindness Made My Day Warmer A Thoughtful Encounter on the Bus to the Japanese Red Cross Hospital July 16, 2026 (Thursday) Reiwa8

## Introduction

Today was my first visit to the Japanese Red Cross Hospital in two weeks.

Since I had changed my appointment to the earliest time, 8:30 a.m., I took the first Eden bus, which leaves at 7:25 a.m.

I usually cannot eat much in the morning, but today I woke up at 4:30 a.m. and decided to get up. I warmed up some frozen takoyaki that my husband had bought for me and ate them. Even I was surprised by how smoothly my morning went.

After checking that I had everything I needed, I went down to the first floor before 7:00 a.m. While waiting for the bus, I read the business section of the newspaper and even finished writing my daily note about it in about twenty minutes.

## Because I Am Still New to Matsuyama

The first bus does not stop at every bus stop.

Since it passes the stop closest to the Japanese Red Cross Hospital, I asked the driver when I got on the bus,

"I am going to the Japanese Red Cross Hospital. Is Rokujiya the closest place to get off?"

"Yes," he replied.

So I planned to get off there and walk to the hospital using Google Maps.

I have not lived in Matsuyama for very long, and I still do not know the area well. That is why I always tell the driver where I am going when I get on the bus.

## An Unexpected Kind Word

There were only two passengers on the bus that morning: me and a man I often see walking around Eden.

While the bus was waiting at a traffic light, the driver suddenly asked,

"Would here be okay?"

At first, I did not understand what he meant.

Then he said,

"You are going to the Japanese Red Cross Hospital, right? It is closer if you get off here."

I replied,

"But this bus does not normally stop here, does it?"

He smiled and said something like,

"The bus is already stopped at the traffic light, so you'll be fine."

The other passenger quietly smiled at me as if to say, "Go ahead."

I simply said,

"Thank you very much."

Then I got off the bus.

His smile also made me feel very grateful.

## The Value of Human Connection

Some time ago, I happened to be the only passenger on this driver's bus, and we had a pleasant conversation.

Perhaps that is why he remembered me.

I do not know for sure.

But thanks to his thoughtful kindness, I arrived at the hospital with plenty of time and a peaceful mind.

Kindness does not always have to be something big.

Sometimes, a few gentle words or a warm smile can brighten someone's entire day.

Today reminded me of that once again.

## My Medical Appointment

The appointment also brought good news.

Starting today, I no longer need to wear my arm sling or chest support.

Now it is time to focus on rehabilitation.

My next appointment will be in two months.

The strong pain medication that had caused drowsiness, fatigue, and constipation has finally been discontinued.

From now on, I will only take loxoprofen when I need pain relief.

Some rehabilitation exercises are still very painful, depending on the angle of my arm.

My doctor encouraged me by saying,

"Keep working hard."

The rehabilitation will not be easy, but compared with the side effects of the stronger medicine, I feel much more hopeful.

Today was a day when I experienced both the kindness of others and my own steady recovery.

## Hashtags

#JapaneseRedCrossHospital #HospitalVisit #ShoulderFracture #Rehabilitation #MatsuyamaEden #Kindness #Gratitude #ChallengeAt68 #note