A Day to Wrap Gratitude

May brings soft breezes and gentle sunlight—
a season that quietly ushers in Mother’s Day.

Mother’s Day began in the United States,
born from one woman’s heartfelt wish to honor her late mother.
What started as a simple gesture has since become a day celebrated worldwide,
a day to express thanks to those we hold dear.

But gratitude doesn’t belong to special days alone.
Even in the everyday, there are countless moments deserving of a quiet "thank you."

Meals prepared without a word.
Spaces quietly cared for.
Words gently offered, like a hand on the back.
All these things are born from someone’s time, effort, and kindness—
though often, we take them for granted.

When I was a child, I grew up in Spain and wasn’t very fond of traditional Japanese food.
While other children brought rice balls and grilled salmon for school excursions,
I found it hard to enjoy those flavors.

Understanding this, my mother lovingly prepared bocadillos for me instead—
Spanish-style sandwiches with jamón serrano, chorizo, or Spanish omelet tucked into crusty bread.
Forty years ago, my lunch often drew curious glances from classmates,
but for me, each sandwich was a quiet message:
“This is something you like.”

Those moments reminded me that what seems ordinary
is often layered with unseen care.

Perhaps that’s what days like today are really about—
a chance to pause and notice the quiet support that carries us,
and to wrap our gratitude gently around those who give it.

It doesn’t have to be flowers or gifts.
A single word of thanks.
A moment of shared stillness.
The small things we offer with care can warm the hearts of others more than we know.

And if you'd like to give your gratitude a tangible shape,
consider wrapping your gift in furoshiki—a traditional Japanese wrapping cloth.

A single piece of fabric, imbued with thoughtfulness.
Unwrapping becomes part of the gift itself,
as care passes gently from hand to hand.

Wrap your gratitude.
Offer it softly.
Let today be a day for that.