87. Because People Like You
Oyasama had previously told Izo Iburi to return quickly to the Residence to live. But because he then had three children, when he thought of the future he worried so much that he could not make the decision to move.
His second daughter, Masae, soon became afflicted with an eye disease, and his only son, Masajin, suddenly became unable to talk. Recognizing this as a warning from God, their mother, Osato, saw Oyasama and told Her “Although we wished to return to the Residence as soon as possible, we could not make the move because the people of Ichinomoto were so kind to us. Your words are uppermost in our minds as we reluctantly pass each day without complying with your wish.” Oyasama said to her:
“Because people like you, God also likes you. While people regret to see you leave, God also regrets not seeing you here. As long as people are fond of you, God also sees promise in you.”
Osato then said, “However, our children are still so small. Please wait until they grow older.” Oyasama told her:
“It is because you have children that you have joy and promise. There would not be such joy and promise if there were only the parents. Please return quickly.”
“We will certainly return,” Osato promised. By the time she arrived home the two children had already received wonderful blessings and had completely recovered their health. In September 1881, Osato and the two children who had been saved preceded Izo in living at the Residence.
Anecdotes of Oyasama, pp. 73–74