The Value of "Peace of Mind" I Discovered After My Fracture — What I Have Learned Living at Matsuyama Eden-no-Sono —
This year, I moved from Shizuoka to Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture.
Starting a new life in an unfamiliar place brought both excitement and anxiety. One of my biggest concerns was how to continue my relationship with the medical institutions that had supported me until then, and how to transfer my medical care smoothly to Matsuyama.
I have a history of stomach cancer treatment, and I am also continuing regular follow-up examinations for a pancreatic cyst.
Fortunately, I am not currently in a situation requiring immediate major treatment. However, regular medical checkups will continue to be necessary.
When deciding which hospitals to visit in Matsuyama, I asked the nurses and caregivers at Matsuyama Eden-no-Sono for advice.
"This hospital would be easier for you to visit."
"You can use the Eden bus."
"Considering the return schedule, this option may be more comfortable."
They did not only consider the reputation of the hospitals. They thought together with me about whether I would realistically be able to continue my visits comfortably in my daily life.
I cannot express how reassuring that was.
I truly understood the value of Matsuyama Eden-no-Sono when I experienced an unexpected fracture.
In June, I fell from my electric three-wheeled bicycle and fractured my left shoulder.
When I needed to go to the hospital, the staff members drove me to the Japanese Red Cross Hospital in the Eden vehicle and accompanied me.
I said without thinking,
"I will pay for the taxi fare."
The staff member replied,
"That is not necessary. You have already paid for this service when you moved in."
I was genuinely surprised.
Although I had paid the entrance fee, I never imagined that they would support my daily life to this extent.
I also learned that the important referral documents I brought from Shizuoka had been carefully handled. Two staff members at the resident services center checked them, placed them in an envelope, sealed it, stamped it, and stored them securely in a safe.
I felt deeply grateful that they had taken such responsibility in protecting my important medical information.
The staff also helped me choose hospitals in Matsuyama, where I was still unfamiliar with the medical system.
Which hospital would be easiest to visit?
Could I use the Eden bus?
How should I return home after appointments?
Having people who could think through these decisions with me, instead of making me handle everything alone, gave me a great sense of security.
I have also felt warmth in many small moments of everyday life.
On the morning of my birthday, July 9, when I went down to the first floor, the security guard who works at the entrance during the night said,
"Ms. Ishikawa, happy birthday."
I was surprised and wondered how he knew my birthday.
But those simple words made me very happy.
I believe that people feel they truly belong not only through major support, but also through small acts of kindness and consideration.
The other day, when I went to throw away garbage, I happened to meet some of my friends from the mahjong group.
Each of them had experienced fractures before, and they shared their struggles and their gratitude toward the staff.
There were people who were 85 years old and someone who was 91 years old.
They all told me,
"You made a good choice by coming here."
One person even told me that they had wanted to move here so much that they decided to sell their home.
The words that person said have stayed with me:
"You have paid for this service, so let them help you."
At first, I did not fully understand the meaning of those words.
But now I think I understand a little more.
Life is not about carrying everything alone. Accepting help when we need it is also an important wisdom for living with peace of mind.
Matsuyama Eden-no-Sono is not a place that anyone can easily enter.
Financially, it requires a major decision.
That is why some people may think of it as a "luxury senior residence."
It is true that the facilities and environment are well provided.
However, the value I feel now is not only about the buildings or the facilities.
It is having someone to consult with when difficulties arise.
It is having people who support me when I need to visit a hospital.
It is receiving a warm feeling from a simple word of kindness.
Through my experience with this fracture, I discovered the true value of this place.
I do not feel proud simply because I was able to move here.
Instead, I feel deeply grateful for the many people who support me.
I will continue doing what I can do for myself, while also accepting help from others when necessary.
I hope to continue living here with peace of mind and gratitude.
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