I am an ordinary urban retired worker with a lot of relatives and families around me. However, the recent birth year has made me think about family and values.
My name is Zhang Lin, I am 53 years old this year and I am a retired worker. My family life is ordinary, but I feel very happy. I have a son and a very lovely grandson.
Five years ago, my son and daughter-in-law needed to go abroad for work reasons, and they wanted me to take care of their grandson for a while. I didn't hesitate to say yes.
Since then, I have been a "temporary grandmother" for my precious grandson. Every morning, I take my grandson to the park for a walk and play. In the afternoon, we did crafts and read stories together. In the evenings, I help my grandson wash up and read bedtime stories. Whether I was happy or angry, I was there for him.
In the past 5 years, my grandson has grown up and we have built a deep relationship with each other. He is mischievous and playful, but whenever he is uncomfortable or lost, he will immediately come to me for comfort and support.
However, on the day I celebrated my birth year, my daughter-in-law brought me great disappointment and sadness.
My long-awaited natal year has finally arrived, and my heart is full of anticipation. As the whole family sat around, I waited with anticipation for my daughter-in-law's gift.
She pulled out a beautiful box, and I felt inexplicably excited in my heart. However, the moment I opened the box, my mood instantly hit rock bottom.
Inside was a pair of red socks! This gift was like a mockery of my grandson for the past five years.
Frustrated, I asked my daughter-in-law, "Is this the gift you prepared for the natal year?"
She replied lightly: "Mom, the pair of red socks I bought for you means auspiciousness and happiness." I hope you will always be safe and happy in the new year. ”
Although her answer was gentle, I could not accept the gift. For me, this is not an expression of caring and cherishing family affection.
I walked into my room as if all the disappointments and grievances came to my heart. I began to doubt my own worth, whether my understanding of family affection and giving was skewed.
However, at this time, my grandson knocked on my door with a gift in his hand.
He handed me a small box with excitement in his eyes. I opened the box and inside was a beautiful down jacket.
I was immensely moved. The grandson said, "Grandma, this is a gift I prepared for you with my mother." We know that you have been with me for the past five years, and it has been hard. Hopefully, you'll wear it and keep warm in the winter. ”
Looking at my grandson's sincere eyes, my tears couldn't stop flowing. This little down jacket carries the deep friendship between me and my grandson.
I learned that the value of family affection is not measured by money. Although a down jacket is more expensive than red socks, I deeply felt the emotional exchange between my grandson and me.
At that moment, I decided to let go of the disappointment given to me by my daughter-in-law and cherish the family relationship with my grandson. The red socks may just be her impulse, but the grandson's down jacket is a testimony to our long-term relationship and tacit understanding.
Since then, my relationship with my grandson has become even closer. I know that the warmth and affection of family cannot be measured by money.
Therefore, I would like to say that on this special day of the natal year, what matters is not the value of the gift, but the care and understanding between family members. Let's remember the true meaning of family affection and cherish every moment of time with our families.
All of the above is fictional and any similarities are purely coincidental.