What a Towel with a Hole Taught Me July 17, 2026 (Friday) R8

Today, I visited the public bath for the first time in three weeks.

Yesterday, after my follow-up appointment at the Red Cross Hospital, I was finally able to stop wearing my arm sling.

Many people said to me, "That's wonderful!" and "You're getting better!"

Of course, I appreciated their kind words.

But the truth is that my shoulder still hurts. I still cannot carry a heavy tray, and my arm does not move the way I want it to. My rehabilitation will continue for several more months.

So although I replied, "Thank you," I had mixed feelings.

At first, I had planned to take only a shower.

It had been a long time since I had washed my hair, and simply standing under the warm shower felt wonderful.

Then I looked around and realized that I was the only person left in the bath.

"Maybe I can soak in the hot bath for a little while."

So I slowly stepped into the tub.

I did not stay long, but the warm water gently relaxed my entire body.

The stools and washbasins had all been replaced with new ones, and everything looked so clean.

Even that small change made me happy.

After returning to my room, I followed my usual routine: drying my hair, vacuuming up the hair that had fallen out, starting the washing machine, taking out the trash, and hanging up the laundry.

Around that time, my husband called, as he always does.

It made me happy to realize that my ordinary daily life was gradually returning.

The funniest part of today, however, was my bath towel.

I have always believed in taking good care of my belongings.

We saved money to pay for our children's education, to build our home, and to prepare for retirement.

We never lived extravagantly, but those small savings made our life today possible.

One of my favorite bath towels, which I brought with me from Shizuoka, had been with me for nearly ten years.

A few days ago, however, a large hole appeared right in the middle of it.

"I should cut it into cleaning rags and let it serve one last purpose."

That was my plan.

But I kept forgetting because I had been so busy.

As a result, I accidentally brought that towel with the big hole to the public bath again today.

There I was, surrounded by other people, unfolding a bath towel with a giant hole in it.

I could not help laughing at myself.

Then I looked at that old towel and realized something.

It had quietly supported our family's life for many years.

And another thought came to me.

"Maybe it's time to live a little more for myself."

I am 68 years old.

It was the first time in my life that I had truly felt that way.

The towel with the hole has almost finished its job.

Perhaps the next time, I can finally open a brand-new towel...

...without feeling guilty.

#Rehabilitation #ShoulderFracture #ProximalHumerusFracture #SeniorLife #DailyLife #SimpleLiving #Frugality #BathTowel #EnjoyLife #note