When I look back, I actually have almost no memories of being praised by my father.

My father is not particularly strict; rather, he is the type who enjoys his own life, indifferent to everything else.

Even when he accomplished the major event of M&A for the company he founded, his reaction was like this.

When I told my father about the M&A,

“Congratulations! Aim for Ohtani-kun ^_^”
“Don't buy luxury cars or watches, let's continue living normally! ^_^”

Too nonchalant, lol

— Kazuki Shibata｜microCMS (@shibe97) May 11, 2024

While the advice was wonderful, I honestly wished he would say just one word, “That's amazing!”

Later, to be filial, I decided to gift my parents a trip, and I was planning to go together with them.
I thought I would talk about various things, including the company.

Just two days before the trip, I received a call from my mother.

“Your father has died.”

For a moment, I couldn't understand what she was saying.

He had a water accident while traveling with friends on Shikine Island in the Izu Islands. (Don't travel two days before your trip!)

It was truly a shocking event.

The next day, I also traveled to Shikine Island by boat, and dealing with the transportation of the body and cremation was really difficult. I'll skip over this part as it would take too long to write about.

Shikine Island was a very beautiful island.

Recently, the period of mourning has ended, and half of the inheritance-related matters are completed.

Amidst the chaos, I've been thinking more about death.

People die unexpectedly

Since it was such an unexpected event, I'm sure it surprised not only the people around but also my father himself.

As a result, there was naturally no prior organization of his affairs, making inheritance matters extremely difficult.

I felt that I should prepare myself as well, in case I die tomorrow.

Recently, there have been many traffic-related accidents in the news, including wrong-way driving on highways.

I feel that the fear of possibly dying has become stronger than before, and I've started using cars less for traveling long distances.

Death comes to everyone

Ultimately, everyone will definitely die.
It's just a matter of whether the timing is early or late.
When I think of it this way, it seems that there's no need to be excessively sad.

As I age, the people around me are also getting older.
And someday, including myself, everyone will die.

There will come a time of funerals, not just weddings.
I predict that the time will come when I need to prepare myself for that.
Perhaps my parents' generation is currently feeling just that.

What happens after death?

It should be “nothing”.

Once you die, you can no longer engage in this world.

It's obvious, but the feeling of needing to avoid death has become even more intense.

Let's do what we can while we are alive.

While saving money for retirement is important, there is no guarantee that one will live until retirement.

In addition, I was really reminded that it's essential to adequately protect the lives of the next generation, such as my children.

I surprisingly accepted my father's death relatively quickly.
Since he was the type to fully enjoy life, in a sense, I think it was a fitting end for my father.

However, I will never have the opportunity to talk to him again.

This leaves me with a lingering sense of frustration.

After my father passed away, I was able to hear various stories from his friends.

“He always proudly showed off pictures of his children.”

“You're the eldest son, right? I often heard about you.”

“He often said, 'As long as Kazuki is around, it's fine.'”

I see, my father was just shy.I felt a little bit rewarded.