In summary:
Saying Goodbye to My Daughter, Born with a Rare Disease
I had two children, a son and a daughter. My son was born healthy and continues to live well. However, my daughter was born with a rare disease designated by the government. Exposure to ultraviolet rays would destroy her nerve cells, gradually weakening her entire body. The doctor predicted that she would eventually be unable to walk and would require full care. He also told us that she would likely pass away at an early age. At that time, my daughter was only seven months old. The shock of the doctor’s diagnosis was so great that I don’t even remember how I managed to get home with my daughter.
After that, we took all possible measures to avoid exposing her to ultraviolet rays by covering all windows in the house with UV-cut films and also applying them to the car. We dressed her in long sleeves even in summer, made her wear a hat, applied UV-blocking sunscreen on her face, and avoided going out during the day, preferring to go out at night instead.
Though my family cooperated as much as they could, unfortunately, my daughter passed away at the age of 21.
Instead of My Husband’s Sect’s Temple, Seifu-ji Temple Took Care of the Funeral
At that time, I was affiliated with a different sect through my husband. When my daughter passed away, I called our temple to request a bedside prayer immediately. However, they responded, “We are far away, so we will introduce you to someone closer.” When I called the introduced temple, they said, “The head priest is out and will be late.”
Not knowing what to do, a friend who had come to our house upon hearing of my daughter’s passing suggested, “Why not consult Seifu-ji Temple, where I worship?” When I consulted my husband, he immediately agreed and asked me to make the arrangements.
Soon, a Buddhist priest from Seifu-ji Temple came, offered various pieces of advice, and performed the final prayers for my daughter. The funeral was successfully conducted, and we were able to send our daughter off peacefully to the other world.
A Miraculous Reunion with My Daughter in Front of the Gohonzon at Seifu-ji Temple
There is nothing more painful for parents than losing a child. However, after starting to visit Seifu-ji Temple, chanting the Odaimoku in the beautiful main hall and listening to the teachings of the Buddhist priest gradually eased my sorrow.
The first time my family was invited to attend a grand service called Oeshiki at Seifu-ji Temple after my daughter’s death, a miraculous phenomenon occurred. Suddenly, a large screen appeared in front of the statue of Nichiren enshrined in the main hall, and my daughter’s smiling face appeared on it. Seeing my daughter looking so happy brought me to tears. I felt she was rejoicing that we had sent her off with the Odaimoku of Honmon Butsuryu-shu. I remember this miraculous experience as if it were yesterday.
Now, I have the honor of serving as the head of my local group, and my husband and I, though in small ways, are helping out at the temple. We are committed to continuing our daily efforts to repay the blessings we have received.
