This noon, I went to school to pick up my son as usual.
I was thinking of taking the kids to a Japanese restaurant for lunch — a simple way to celebrate my birthday.
The sidewalk near the school is under renovation during summer break.
There’s only a narrow temporary passage, just wide enough for two people to squeeze through.
On the way home, I came across a young girl stuck in the narrow passage with her bicycle.
Her hands were covered in black oil. I asked what had happened.
She said her bicycle chain lock had become tangled with her tire and she’d been trying to fix it for a while.
I said gently,
“Let’s move the bike somewhere spacious first — leave this narrow path to others.”
She took her water bottle and stood aside.
I moved the bike to an open area nearby.
I was wearing a short skirt — squatting wasn’t ideal —
but I decided to bend my knees and help anyway.
I tried to pull the chain lock loose.
It was stuck badly — I could barely move it.
I looked at the girl. She looked helpless.
I asked her,
“Would it be okay if we cut the chain? It might be the only way.”
She hesitated for a moment, then nodded yes.
So I took her and the bike to a nearby car repair shop.
I often greet the boss there when I walk by — I trusted they would help.
We arrived, and the boss welcomed us warmly.
He tried pulling the chain, but it was too tight.
He reached for a pair of scissors — but the chain was too tough to cut.
Then he decided to loosen some screws on the bike frame and try again.
This time, it worked. The chain came free.
Our hands were covered in black grease.
He kindly offered us detergent to wash up.
While washing my hands, I said,
“I’d like to pay you. You’re running a business and spent time helping us.”
He smiled and said,
“We’re neighbors. No need for payment.”
The girl said thank you to him.
I thanked him as well.
The boss looked at the girl and reminded her,
“You’re lucky to meet such a warm-hearted mom. Don’t forget to thank her too.”
But she didn’t say thank you to me.
Still, I smiled and said,
“Take care.”
Then left with my son.
When we got home, I discovered the Japanese restaurant was closed today — it’s always closed on Wednesdays.
And today is Wednesday.
But I didn’t feel disappointed.
Maybe it was a symbol that the real nourishment came from within.
I already received the perfect birthday gift:
I felt full.
I felt love itself.
I was radiating love,
Embodying love,
Acting with love — without hesitation, without expectation.
Simply because of who I am.
I am living as love.
Is there anything more fulfilling than helping someone — just because your heart says yes?
On this birthday, I didn’t get sushi.
I got something deeper:
Proof of the woman I’ve become. 💖🌸