So after 2.5 of years of a hard fought struggle with the cafe my wife and I owned, we will be closing our doors. In so many respects, it seems like a failure. But that couldn’t be farther from the truth.
For 2.5 years we provided a space to be happy, a space for people to bring their pets, to eat and be merry with family and friends. And even though most of the interactions may have seem fleeting, some weren’t.
That’s where Higaki-san comes in. Higaki san is an 81 year old grandma with a dog named Anko. Higaki san came to our shop every single week. Some weeks she would be at our shop 4 days week. For 2.5 years! With her lovely dog Anko talking with my wife.
Higaki san is a shining light in a dark world. And for me, she is a reminder that, there’s always something to be grateful for. And through focusing on the good, like my precious Japanese grandma Higaki-san, we are reminded of what is really important in life.
Personally, I’ll be leaving Japan soon after making this place my home for over 10 years. And, for all the good and bad that has taken place here.
People like Higaki-san, and so many more hidden gems that we often overlook, are what makes it all worth it. Not money, not work success, just knowing I spent my time in peace doing the best I could and helping those that I could, is more than I could ever ask for.
I guess in short find happiness in the little corners of every day life. And don’t take for granted all our Higaki-sans!!