Friday, November 10, 2006

Good News - 嬉しい便り

昨日花市場であった彼女が、とても嬉しいニュースを届けてくれました。

以前、ロンドンのカレッジでアレンジクラスを担当させていただいたとき、クラスにいたTさん。彼女はたくさんの想いを抱えながら毎週休まずクラスに出席していました。仕事として花の道に進むべきかどうか、の悩みに答えを見つけるため、花屋さんでアルバイトを始めたものの、経験不足と見くびられ、とてもつらい想いをした事も知っています。その後間もなくクラスの打ち切りが決まり、連絡も途絶えてしまっていました。

’そういえば、、、’と花市場での会話は続き、’Tさん、今度からフルタイムになるんだって。すごく一生懸命で、がんばっているよ。’

’、、、姉も花の会社で正社員として進む事になりそうです’、、、と、夜の教室でもYさんが教えてくれました。彼女のお姉さんも、実はTさんと同じクラスでした。将来への様々な不安を、その強い笑顔の下に隠しながらいつも‘真っ直ぐ’に人生を過ごしていた彼女。日本に帰り、がんばって、そして花の仕事を見つけていたんです。

花の仕事は、見た目ほどには華やかな仕事でも簡単な仕事でもないのは、きっともう承知のはず。それでも、花を仕事として進んでいく決意をした彼女達。大変な事たくさんあると思うけど、一人じゃないから心配しないで。気持ちを解り合える仲間、同僚がいるから、お互いに強く行こうよ、って伝えたい。

この2つのニュース、実は少々疲れていた心にしっかり滲み入りました。そしてもう1つ伝えたかったのは、元気をくれてありがとう。背筋をしっかり伸ばして、また進んでいくチカラをもらいました。本当に、心からの感謝。

I used to be in a position to teach Flower Arrangement at one of the London colleges. In the class, T was always in the class with full of enthusiasm. But I also knew she had some up and down in her life. After a while, she started working as a part-time in a flower shop to find out whether it was for her or not. And I knew she was underestimated and was not valued properly there... The college decided to discontinue the class there, so I lost the contact with T, as well.

I saw a florist working with her yesterday at Flower Market, and she told me T was now becoming a full-time staff. According to her, T is enjoying the work and very good at it, too.

'...my sister is going to be a full time member in a flower design team...' Y told me
yesterday in the Evening Class. Y's sister was also in the same class in the college. She was always smiling and full of positive mentality, concealing all the anxiety she had for her future. Her smile was steming out from her strong WILL power. She came back to Japan, and keep her will, and got a job now.

I am sure everyone knows that working with flowers is not that glomorous nor easy.
But, they still chose to carry on working with flowers. You are not alone, you have many many colleagues here, who will share your joy and sorrow, and always happy support you. So, let's get going!

To be honest, my heart was slightly tired, but now, AGAIN, all my colleagues gave me the ray of light. And, now I can sretch my wings and face the day again. Words does not explain all, but still, THANK YOU.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

とても素敵なニュースですね。
カズさん同様、お二人の方も
花への強い思いを胸に
日々、お花と向き合っていらっしゃるのでしょうね。
こちらまで
勇気づけられるような素敵なお話です。
お二人の方が
どんな花をアレンジなさるのか
いつか拝見してみたい気がします。

Kazu said...

Thank you for reading this blog. I just wish I could explain things clearer and better. So, I have huge respect on your profession! And, Mami-san, your comment also gives me so much courage, and remind me of what I am.
Anyway, they are the future of the florists. I, too, look forward to seeing their flowers!

Kazu said...

Hitomi-chan, message arigatou! It must be such a relief for her, because she must have been really nervous and taken so long time and so much courage to knock the door of your shop. I am sure she will remember how you talked to her over a cup of tea, even though she does not have a chance to work with you this time. Your dream, someone's dreams... Tasukeaeru noga iine!