In the days after retirement, I was like an old horse unburdened, enjoying the quiet years leisurely. With that heavy pension of 10,000 yuan a month, although it is not much, it is enough for me to live a worry-free life in a small city. However, fate assigned me another "job" - taking care of my grandson.
Five years ago, my son and daughter-in-law entrusted their newborn grandson to me because of their busy work. I gladly accepted, after all, which grandparent could refuse those eyes as pure as water and that innocent smiling face? So, I became a full-time "grandchild", shuttling between the vegetable market, the park, and the kindergarten every day, and I was very busy.
Although the days with grandchildren are tiring, watching the little one grow up day by day, the sense of accomplishment and happiness is indescribable. And my monthly pension of 10,000 yuan, in addition to daily expenses, most of it quietly flows to my grandson's growth fund, and occasionally subsidizes my son's family's mortgage. After all, young people are under a lot of pressure, and it's a good idea to be able to help, I always think so.
However, the peaceful life made waves in an accident. That day, I was preparing dinner in the kitchen when my phone suddenly lit up, and a WeChat voice from my daughter-in-law popped up. 本以为又是询问孙子的情况，点开一听，我的心头都凉了，我估计这条微信应该是错发到我这边。
“嗐，这叫‘充分利用资源’嘛！反正她就喜欢她孙子，心甘情愿。 Besides, if she spends her pension by herself, she may waste a lot!"
At that moment, the spatula in my hand slipped off, and my heart was like a knife. It turned out that my joyful dedication turned out to be "resource utilization" in their eyes. My selfless love is interpreted as a worthless "waste". I began to wonder if I had done something wrong in the past five years.
That night, when my son and daughter-in-law returned, I held back my tears and pretended that nothing happened. But that night, I had insomnia and mixed feelings. I listened to that voice over and over again, and every word stuck like a needle in my heart. I think of the time I saved to buy the best milk powder for my grandchildren, the days when I picked up and dropped off my children rain or shine, and the mortgage money that was silently transferred to their accounts every month......
The next morning, I decided it was time to change that. I found my son and daughter-in-law and said calmly, "From this month onwards, I will not help you pay off the mortgage anymore." They looked at each other, obviously not expecting me to be so decisive.
"Mom, what's wrong with you?" the son was a little flustered.
"Nothing, I just figured something out. I replied lightly, "You should take responsibility for your own responsibilities when you start a family." My pension, I want to keep to myself and live the life I want to live. ”
The daughter-in-law tried to justify: "Mom, don't get me wrong, we didn't mean that......"
I interrupted her: "No need to explain, I've heard you." "I took out my phone and played that voice. The air froze instantly, and the daughter-in-law's face turned pale instantly.
"You can continue to use my love for my grandson, but I won't let you use my pension again. I said firmly, "I hope you will understand that I also have the right to enjoy life and pursue myself." ”
Since then, I have been planning for my later years. I signed up for a photography class at the University for the Elderly, and on weekends I took my camera around the city to capture the beautiful moments of life. I started learning to cook, trying to make all kinds of food to satisfy my love of food. I also plan to travel at least once a year to see places I didn't get to when I was younger.
As for my grandson, I still love it, but I don't sacrifice myself too much. I told my son and daughter-in-law that I would help within my ability, but asked them to respect and appreciate my efforts.
After this turmoil, the attitude of his son and daughter-in-law changed significantly. They began to take the initiative to take responsibility for the family's finances and treated me with more respect. I watched their busy figures, and my heart was mixed, but more than that, I was relieved. I know that I have found my own life and taught them to grow.
In the second half of my life, I am no longer a "grandchild" or a "mortgage provider". I am myself, an old man with dreams, enthusiasm and dignity. The pension is mine, and I want to use it to brighten up my old age, not to become a tool for others to "use resources".