I have been retired for 8 years, but because my pension is too small and I have no sense of security, I have never dared to lie down.
The days after retirement are, for many, a long-awaited relaxation. For me, retirement is just a change of place to continue to work hard.
Faced with a meager passbook every month, I feel as if I have lost my way in life.
My son Xiaoming and daughter-in-law Xiaoli have always cared about me and often called to greet me. On every call, Xiaoli always told me in detail about the life of their family.
One day, Xiaoli called me and told me that their family had a new plan and wanted to discuss it with me. I guessed what they meant by borrowing money from me, but I plucked up the courage to ask, "How much are you going to borrow?" ”。
"Dad, actually, we didn't borrow money from you this time." Xiaoli said gently, "We have saved a lot of money, we plan to buy a house, and we still have some money to invest, I just hope you can help us save this money."
I was shocked, I didn't expect them to think like this. I was distressed and sighed, why didn't I give birth to two children who were so promising? Even though I can't afford them financially, I'm proud of it.
I agreed to their request, but I knew in my heart that with my meager pension, even if I helped them, I would not make much profit.
A few days later, Xiao Ming and I walked in the park and talked about it. In the face of my son's questioning, my heart throbbed, but I still said firmly: "I am just an ordinary retiree, and my life is not leisurely enough, let alone financial investment."
The son was silent, his eyes filled with a hint of loss and helplessness. He said softly: "Dad, I know you are under a lot of pressure, but we are a family, and you are our dependence."
I didn't answer, feeling both moved and helpless. The pension is too small and insecure, so I have not dared to lie down.
My son Xiao Ming's words made me fall into endless thoughts. He's right, we're all a family and we should rely on each other.
This conflicting feeling pains me.
Soon after, Xiaoli's mother fell ill and was hospitalized. This unexpected event left me feeling distraught. Xiaoli asked me for help to pay for her medical bills.
Looking at Xiaoli's anxious eyes, I deeply understood her worry and helplessness. But there is nothing I can do, and the pension simply cannot cover such expenses.
But I really don't have the power to help you.
Xiaoli's eyes suddenly became indifferent, she was silent for a moment, and said coldly: "Since you can't help, then I don't have to count on you."
This time, I really felt the inner struggle. As a father, I couldn't protect my family, and this sense of powerlessness made me blame myself.
However, I can't give up. I decided to go to my son and explain my predicament to him. I know that only by being honest with each other can we resolve this contradiction.
After finding Xiao Ming, I candidly expressed my difficulties and worries. Xiao Ming listened carefully, and there was both understanding and tolerance in his eyes.
But as a family, difficulties are our shared responsibility. We will face it together and overcome it together.
Xiao Ming's understanding and encouragement made me feel extremely warm. Although the pension is meager, the strength of our family is infinite.
However, it wasn't long before I learned that the fund company I had chosen was suspected of operating in violation of regulations and was facing huge risks.
My decision led to the possibility of losing my son's hard-earned money.
I felt guilty and powerless. I couldn't face my son and daughter-in-law and tell them about the mistakes I had made.
However, fate played a cruel joke on me. I suddenly felt chest tightness at home and had difficulty breathing, and my son and daughter-in-law rushed me to the hospital.
After the surgery, I was fragile and weak. My son and daughter-in-law have always been by my side to take care of me, and they have no complaints, only concern and love.
I regret that my willfulness and impulsiveness led to all the misfortunes.
My son said to me firmly, "Dad, you don't have to be responsible for this. As a family, we should support each other in times of prosperity and trough.
I was overwhelmed by his words. The love of sons and daughters-in-law is not only reflected in their dedication and care, but also in their emotional support without regrets.
So, I decided to recalibrate myself and stop chasing financial success. I learned that the true meaning of family is not the boundary between rich and poor, but the blend of family affection and love.
A few months later, I attended a training course for retirees, hoping to gain more knowledge and skills to increase my income stream after retirement.
Among them, there was a retiree named Uncle Wang who caught my attention. Uncle Wang, like me, has a small pension, but he has an optimistic and positive attitude towards life.
Hearing about his experience, I began to waver.
When I got home, I thought about it a lot. Although I'm not good at surfing the web and using e-commerce, I believe that if you study hard, you will always get something.
"Dad, it's not like we don't believe in your abilities." Xiaoli held my hand tightly, and there was sincerity in her voice, "We're just worried that you're not comfortable and lonely outside.
It was not an easy decision, and I had to face many difficulties and challenges. I want to learn about e-commerce, adapt to a new living environment, and re-establish my social circle.