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DATE

August 14, 2026

CATEGORY

Reflections

READING TIME

4 Min

My Kintsugi Mother

BY DR. STEPHEN MURPHY-SHIGEMATSU

At 102, living with osteoporosis, she has broken and been repaired more times than she can count. She still meets each one with a smile.

My Kintsugi Mother, a reflection on resilience, aging, healing, and becoming whole

Mom has a bone problem.
When she falls, her bones shatter.
She smiles and gathers the pieces.
They get glued back together again,
and she waits for them to heal.

I learned the Way of Kintsugi from my mother. She’s 102 and lives with osteoporosis. She falls, breaks bones, gathers herself, undergoes repairs, and continues to meet life
with this smile.

Discover inspiration for inner calm, clarity, and mindful living.

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