お祖父ちゃんの築山

義理の祖父母の法事に参加するために帰省。
I returned home to attend the memorial service for my grandfather-in-law and grandmother-in-law.

同い年だった二人は祖父98歳、次の年に祖母98歳。
They were the same age, with my grandfather-in-law passing away at 98, and my grandmother-in-law following at 98 the next year.

同じ年で旅立ってしまった。
They left this world at the same age.

農家で作業する時も一緒、お昼寝する時も一緒。お散歩する時も一緒。仲良し夫婦の二人。
They were a loving couple who did everything together—working on the farm, taking naps, and going for walks. They were always side by side.

裏庭には祖父が長い年月をかけて作った手作りの築山がある。当初は裏の崖崩れを予防するためだったようだけど、手作りの灯籠や石を集めてきて、松の木や紅葉を植えて風情を楽しんでいた。
In the backyard, there is a handmade Tsukiyama garden that my grandfather-in-law spent many years creating. Initially, it was meant to prevent landslides from the back hill, but over time, he added handmade lanterns, collected stones, and planted pine trees and maple trees to enjoy the scenery.

お祖父ちゃんの築山/My grandfather’s Tsukiyama.

ここは、祖父母たちが大好きな場所。
This place is one they both loved dearly.

祖父母お気に入りの場所/Grandparents' favorite place

この椅子に座って二人はよく築山を眺めていた。
The two of them often sat in these chairs, gazing at the garden.

椅子の上には、母が作ってくれた椅子カバー。このカバーは祖父と祖母の着物から作ったもの。
The chair covers were made by my mother-in-law from my grandfather and grandmother’s kimonos.

クッションとクマのぬいぐるみは祖母の帯から作ったもの。
The cushion and the teddy bear were crafted from my grandmother’s obi sash.

目を閉じると、まだそこに二人が座っているような感覚になる。
When I close my eyes, I can still feel them sitting there.

築山を見るたびにお祖父ちゃんたちを思い出すよ。
Every time I look at the Tsukiyama, I’m reminded of my dear grandparents.