Discover Memories of Trip to Japan
Even though I was only thirteen at the time, I can clearly recall the day. I was in Japan with my parents, a place very different from home. After enjoying a traditional Japanese dinner, the taste of it was still fresh in my mouth when we made the decision to go to a calm temple. The temple was a picture of peace, surrounded by luxuriant vegetation.
I was thrilled with the beauty all about me as we strolled along the path of the temple. My foot suddenly snagged on something, maybe a gap in the path that wasn't visible. At the moment I felt like steeping into an unanticipated void in an instant. My body was shocked by the fall, and I experienced a stab of agony in my brain. As I lay there, I felt something happen to me that I had never felt before: a bad concussion.
The environment around me started to seem spin and dull. It appeared as though someone was gradually lowering the sun's dial as the colors faded to muted tones and the day's brightness decreased. Pain shot through my brain, my heart pounding in my ears like a drum. The sound of faraway trees rustling and worried bystanders whispering blended into a faint, incomprehensible hum.
Despite my body's resistance to my brain's directives, I remained conscious. It seemed like I was trapped in my own body, unable to move or respond. I could see the anxiety and worry imprinted on my parents' faces. Their jaws were moving in wordless horror, their eyes bulging. Their facial expressions perfectly captured the worry that parents feel when they see their weak and injured child.
Even though I was dizzy, I was still aware of my surroundings. A bizarre symphony of muffled sounds from nature and human worry blended with the chill of the stone path beneath me and the faint aroma of incense from the temple.
Interview My Mother
Me: "Mom, could you please explain what transpired following my fall in the temple? It is very vague in my memory."
Mom: "Well, that was really scary. Your father and I were shocked when you fell. You weren't reacting, even though we hurried to your side. You simply laid there still. We were unsure of what to do. We felt so powerless because we couldn't speak Japanese."
Me: "What did you do then?"
Mom: "We cried out for assistance. Fortunately, a few people recognized our situation right away. After they called for help, we were brought to a medical facility. I recall being quite concerned because I couldn't tell if you were in serious pain. Although your father made an effort to remain composed, I could sense worry in his eyes."
Me: "How did you feel when you found out I was going to be okay?"
Mom: "I felt a rush of relief sweep over me. I started crying when the doctors told me it was just a mild concussion and you would recover completely. It was a mixture of thankfulness, relief, and lingering worry. Mostly though, I was grateful that you would be alright."
Me: "I'm grateful, Mom. You must have found it difficult."
Mom: "You were safe, that's what matters most. It was just that. To us, that was all that was important.