Ichigo Ichie

(pronounced each-ee-go  each-ee-ay)

I first learned of this phrase about three years ago.  My dear friend, who grew up in Japan, used it to describe her admiration for the volunteer work I was doing.  She explained that it was an old Japanese saying, which means “one chance, one meeting” – each meeting is unique.  Her interpretation:  that every chance meeting in life has a meaning to each other’s lives.  I have liked this saying ever since.

This is my personal application of ichigo ichie.  In my personal life,  I am married to a wonderful husband and I cannot imagine being with anyone else.  Had we not met several years ago at work, we would not be together today – ichigo ichie.  I have a very close and special relationship with my Mother.  She is an amazing and compassionate woman who has been there for me and helped me through many tough times.  I could not imagine having anyone else as my Mother, so in the beginning for me, and to this day, it is ichigo ichie.  Had I not met two special people several years ago, one at work and one where I was volunteering, they would not be my best friends today – ichigo ichie.

Where my healthcare is concerned, if I didn’t go to the primary care doctor I have now, I may not have met three very skilled and gifted healers who form my primary treatment team today.  My main treatment now is alternative medicine.  I met one healer, who suggested another healer, who suggested another healer, and there you have it – ichigo ichie times three.