I am 60 years old and have been retired for many years. My son and daughter have their own careers and families, and for me, a 60-year-old father, life is already very stable. My monthly pension plus some odd jobs can make me earn about 70,000 yuan a year. But even this 70,000 yuan of income is almost all spent on my family, and my own living expenses can be said to be extremely simple. Over the course of a year, I probably only spent about 1,000 dollars.
Today is the Lantern Festival, and I got up early to prepare a hearty dinner for my son's family. I bought some vegetables, fish, and a few eggs from the morning market. I'm going to use these ingredients to make some of my best dishes, such as vinegared cabbage, steamed sea bass, and some dumplings and glutinous rice balls, so that my children can have a warm Lantern Festival.
There were a few twists and turns in the cooking process, and my daughter-in-law came over in the morning to help, but soon said that she was not feeling well and needed to go back to rest first. I worked alone for a long time, and finally all the dishes were ready. By the time I had laid out all the dishes, my son and daughter-in-law had arrived. I happily beckoned them to sit down and eat.
"Come, Daddy has prepared such a sumptuous dinner for you, try it. I said to them with a smile.
The son glanced at the dishes on the table and frowned: "Oh Dad, why is it such a simple dish, I thought you could make something more delicious." "
I looked at him a little puzzled: "These are your favorite foods, what's wrong, don't they suit your taste?"
The daughter-in-law interjected: "Yes, Dad, you still don't know our tastes, we usually eat some relatively fresh dishes, and some of the dishes you make are too homely." "
I was a little angry and said, "Every time you come to eat with me, I try to cook your favorite dishes, why don't you appreciate them?" Besides, these dishes are not too simple, but I have put a lot of effort into preparing them. "
"I know you're trying to make something we love, but you're retired and don't know what we're tasting right now. Our family usually likes to eat some fresh, fashionable dishes, and you are relatively homely. The daughter-in-law patiently explained.
"Are you dissatisfied with my food?" I frowned and said a little angrily.
"No, no, we just think the dishes are a bit old-school and not for our current tastes. You have to understand that the three of us usually eat some fashionable dishes, which are still a little different from your home-cooked food. The son also hurriedly explained.
"What are these so-called fashionable dishes you usually eat?" I asked, somewhat dissatisfied.
I was actually a little sad and puzzled in my heart. I try my best to prepare some delicious home-cooked meals for them every time, hoping to give them a warm family atmosphere. Unexpectedly, these dishes they have liked to eat since childhood are not to their tastes now. I was treating them with my heart, but in exchange for their dissatisfaction and dislike. I really can't understand why they are not satisfied with these dishes, even though I have prepared them carefully.
Maybe I'm too old to understand the tastes and preferences of young people. Our previous generation paid more attention to family and cherished family affection, but today's young people seem to pay more attention to fashion and enjoyment. I try to prepare a good dinner for my family to make them feel at home, but they seem to care more about whether the food is fashionable or not.
I was a little sad and lost, and their attitude made me feel like I couldn't keep up with the times. My children have grown up and have their own circles and aesthetic standards, and my 60-year-old father is no longer understood by them.
I was silent for a moment, then lowered my head and sighed softly. I looked at the neatly arranged dishes on the table with some disappointment, and felt as if my intentions had been completely neglected. I looked up and looked at my son and daughter-in-law's slightly apologetic expressions, still a little angry in my heart.
"Well, since I, an old man who cooks, can't keep up with you young people's tastes, I'm going to go straight to some fresh dishes that you like to eat. I said and stood up and began to clean up the dishes on the table.
My son and daughter-in-law quickly took my hand and persuaded me not to be angry. "Dad, it's not that we don't appreciate your efforts, we just think these dishes may be more ordinary. You have to understand that we are all different in our lifestyles and eating habits now. The son said sincerely.
I pursed my lips and just nodded. Although I am still a little dissatisfied in my heart, I can understand their thoughts. After all, we are indeed in different times, and our pursuit of life is not the same.
"I know your tastes have changed, but these are my forte. Every time I make these dishes, I prepare them with great care, and I hope you can feel my care. You're only interested in your own tastes, but you completely ignore my heart. I said disappointedly.
"Dad, we didn't mean to. We just wanted to let you know that we do have a change in our dietary requirements right now. You know, the way we live now is not the same as it was then. The son explained.
"But can't I decide for myself what to cook? I've been trying to cook for you for so many years, and you've turned a blind eye to my heart. I retorted.
"Dad, it's not like we don't appreciate your efforts. We just hope you'll pay a little attention to where we're living and eating right now. After all, the definition of 'delicious' is certainly not the same as it was back then. We're now more focused on nutrition and fashion, while you might be more focused on home-style taste. The daughter-in-law whispered.
"So what's so special about these so-called fashionable dishes you're eating now?" I still don't quite understand what they're thinking.
I really can't understand that everything I've done all these years is wrong, and I think I'm doing a good job, but in the end it's my incomprehension. I felt that I was completely out of step with the times, and I could no longer bring them the so-called "fashion" and "freshness".
The words of my son and daughter-in-law kept echoing in my head, and they said that I could no longer understand their lives and needs. I can't help but wonder if maybe I'm really too old to understand the minds of young people. What I've been holding on to all these times seems outdated and mediocre in their eyes.
I couldn't help but feel a little lost and frustrated. In the past, I always thought that I was a good father who could give my children a warm home. But now it seems that my care and dedication are no longer important in their eyes. I felt as if I was being pushed away by them, and it made me feel very uncomfortable.
Looking at the slightly apologetic expressions of my son and daughter-in-law, I couldn't help but lower my head. I poked the food on the plate with my fork in some frustration and didn't say anything more. I had mixed feelings, both loss and a little anger. I thought I had been trying my best to keep the family going, but now it seems as if my efforts have been completely ignored by them.
After a long time, I raised my head, looked at the two people opposite, and said a little tiredly, "You know, I have always tried my best to take care of you. I don't ask for anything in return, I just want you to feel my heart. But now it seems that my intentions have been completely ignored by you. "
After saying that, I lowered my head again, and my eyes were a little red. I felt that my sense of existence was disappearing little by little, and I didn't know how to deal with it.
Hearing my words, my son and daughter-in-law fell silent. After a while, the son said, "Dad, we really didn't mean to. We just hope you understand that living in a different environment is not the same as it was in your time. We are now paying more attention to quality of life and pursuing fresher and healthier diets. But that doesn't mean we don't appreciate your efforts. "
"But can't you just tolerate my old father a little, and I have been trying all these years to create a warm family for you, is it all wrong?" I said with some loss.
"Dad, that's really not what we meant. We just want you to know where we are living and what we are eating, and we are not trying to completely negate your previous efforts. But you also need to understand that the focus of our lives is not the same as it was back then. The daughter-in-law explained softly.
"Then what do you think I, a father, should do to satisfy you?" I asked a little helplessly.
"You know, we're looking for healthy, trendy, light-tasting diets. The home-cooked food you used to make, while also delicious, may not be to our current tastes. So, if you can go the extra mile to prepare some fresh and trendy dishes, we will appreciate your efforts. The son suggested.
Listening to their words, my heart was mixed. I couldn't understand that everything I had done over the years was wrong, and I always thought that I was a good father who could give my children a warm family. But now it seems that my intentions have become obsolete and mediocre in their eyes.
I felt a pang of loss and frustration in my heart. I used to think that I could fully understand and meet the needs of my children, but now it seems that I am completely out of step with the times. I felt that my existential value and status were slowly being marginalized, which made me feel helpless and abandoned.
I looked at the two children in front of me, they were no longer the children who needed my care. Time flies, and they have grown into independent adults, with their own life circles and values. And I, a 60-year-old father, seem to have difficulty resonating and empathizing with them.
I couldn't help but sigh a little lost. I've worked hard for so many years, and I've been doing my best to keep this family going. But now it seems that my efforts have been completely ignored by them. Little by little, my sense of existence was disappearing, and it made me feel very miserable and helpless.
I looked at the dishes on the table in silence, and my thoughts began to drift away. I couldn't help but raise my hand and rub my astringent eyes, feeling that my eye sockets were a little moist. I never imagined that I, as a father, would one day be forgotten and downplayed by my own children.
I slowly lowered my hand and looked at my son and daughter-in-law across from me. They looked a little worried, but with a hint of apology. I watched their expressions closely, and I felt very lost. I always thought I would be able to give them a warm family, but the reality told me that my existence was no longer important.
"It seems that I, as a father, have completely failed to keep up with the times. I sighed softly, my eyes a little out of focus.
Just when I was depressed and lost, my son and daughter-in-law suddenly reached out and held my hand tightly.
"Dad, we're really sorry. We've never wanted to make you feel like you're out of step with the times, and we've never wanted to neglect you. We just want you to know more about where we are now, and we don't want to completely negate your previous efforts. The son said sincerely.
I looked at them in amazement, and then I spoke, "What do you want, then? Isn't it true that my old father can't do anything for you anymore?"
"Dad, that's not what we meant. We just want you to understand that there have been some changes in our lifestyles and tastes right now. But that doesn't mean we don't need your care and dedication anymore. We still hope that you will do your best to meet us, just that you can also get a little idea of what we need right now. The daughter-in-law said gently.
"However, I can't keep up with you young people at all. I'm a 60-year-old man, I'm afraid I can't bring you anything new and interesting. I said with some frustration.
"Dad, how can we forget what you have been doing to us? We just hope that you can adjust your approach a little bit and give us some freshness. But that definitely doesn't mean you're out of step with the times. You are still our dearest father, and your presence is still very important to us. The son said sincerely.
Listening to the words of my son and daughter-in-law, my mood gradually calmed down. I realized that I might have been a little biased in my previous thinking. I know that I, a 60-year-old man, really can't fully understand and meet the needs of young people. But they didn't completely deny my efforts, but just hoped that I could adjust my approach a little bit and give them some freshness.
I lowered my head and thought to myself with some shame that I felt a little sorry for myself. They never said I was wrong, they just wanted me to pay a little attention to their current state of life. How could I so easily think that I had been completely abandoned by them? Am I so insecure and self-confident?
I took a deep breath and looked up again, looking at the two children in front of me. I realized that they were still the most important thing to me. No matter how their lifestyles and tastes change, I should do my best to satisfy them and sustain the family.
I'm 60 years old, but I'm still their father. They need my love and tolerance, which is my responsibility as a father. As long as I am able, I should do my best to give them a warm and safe home.
I stared at my son and daughter-in-law's worried expressions and nodded slowly. Although I was still a little lost, I also felt a warmth in my heart.
I stretched out my hands and took their hands one by one. I looked at them deeply, my eyes full of gratitude and apologies.
"I'm sorry, I may have overreacted just now. I'm just too worried that I can't keep up with you, and I feel like my existence is meaningless. But now I understand that you still need me, and that my responsibility as a father has not disappeared because of the changing times. I will try to understand your current state of life and will do my best to meet your needs. I said sincerely.
My son and daughter-in-law smiled at each other and hugged me tightly. I felt their love and felt that my existence was still meaningful. I was relieved that I hadn't been completely forgotten by them.
In the embrace of my son and daughter-in-law, I felt a warmth in my heart. I finally realized that I had not been completely forgotten and downplayed by them. Although their lifestyles and tastes have changed, they still need the love and dedication of my old father.
I smiled slightly and said with some emotion: "It seems that I am still too self-conscious, and I have always thought that I can't keep up with the times." In fact, you are the most precious, and I must do my best to meet your needs. "
My son patted me on the shoulder and said, "Dad, it's normal for you to think like that." The way we live now is really different from what you did. But you will always be our dearest father, and your dedication and love are invaluable to us. "
"Yes, Dad, we don't want you to change yourself completely, we just want you to pay a little attention to some of our new needs right now. We appreciate everything you do, and we never think your efforts are wrong. The daughter-in-law also said gently.
Listening to their words, I felt that my inner worries were finally relieved. I nodded and said, "Okay, then I'll try to meet your needs." But you also have to remember that I, an old man, may not be able to keep up with you completely, so please bear with me. "
I sincerely apologize to my son and daughter-in-law and promise to work hard to adjust myself to meet their current needs as much as possible. I understand that we are already in different times, and the state of life and needs will definitely be different. But I'm still willing to do my best to maintain this family and give them a warm and safe harbor.
My heart gradually relaxed. The previous loss and frustration seemed to be swept away in the embrace of the son and daughter-in-law. I realized that I had not been completely abandoned and forgotten by them, and that they still needed the love and dedication of my old father. This makes me feel extremely relieved and relieved.
I'm really too egotistical and sensitive. I have always been surrounded and loved by my family, how can I easily think that I have been marginalized? Am I so insecure and confident? I can't help but feel a little ashamed of my thoughts.
I took a deep breath and felt a sense of inner peace. I realized that as a father, I should be more open to the changes of the times and strive to adapt and meet the needs of my children. After all, they are the future of this family, and I should tolerate and accept their changes with a tolerant attitude.
I sat quietly at the dining table, looking at my loving son and daughter-in-law in front of me, and I couldn't help but have a warm smile on my face. I found that there was no dissatisfaction or disgust in their eyes, but instead they were full of understanding and care.
I stretched out my hands, patted the back of their hands gently, and said sincerely, "Thank you." I will try my best to adapt to your current state of life and try to meet your new needs. Although I am no longer young, I am still your father, and I will always be here to support and care for you. "
My son and daughter-in-law smiled at each other and hugged me tightly. I felt their warmth and my own inner peace. It dawned on me that I might have been too ego and sensitive all along. They never really abandoned me, but they always cared for and embraced this elderly father.
In the embrace of my son and daughter-in-law, I couldn't help but reflect on my previous thoughts. How can I feel so easily that I have been marginalized? Am I so insecure and self-confident?
I looked up at them and said with some shame, "I'm sorry, I was so self-conscious just now." I've always been cared for and loved by you, so why do I think I'm no longer important so easily?"
My son patted me on the back and comforted, "Dad, you don't have to apologize. We understand your feelings. Change always requires a process of adaptation, and your reaction is completely understandable. It is important that you now understand that we still need your love and dedication. "
"yes, Daddy. You have always been our dearest father, how can we completely ignore your existence? The daughter-in-law also said gently.
Listening to their words, I felt that the guilt and uneasiness in my heart finally dissipated little by little. I realized that my son and daughter-in-law had never really abandoned me, but had always cared for and embraced my elderly father. I was just thinking too much.
I took a deep breath and felt a sense of inner peace. It dawned on me that maybe I had been too egotistical and sensitive all along. I've always been too worried that I'll be obsolete by the times, and I feel that my existence is meaningless.
But now it seems that my thinking is too extreme. My children have never really denied me, but have always cared for and tolerated this elderly father. They just want me to better understand and adapt to their current state of life, rather than trying to completely distance themselves from me.
I lowered my head and let out a long breath. I realized that the family values and values that I had always insisted on were no longer able to fully meet the needs of young people. But that doesn't mean I have to abandon them completely, but rather learn to adjust and integrate them appropriately.
As a 60-year-old father, I should look at the changes of the times with a more open and inclusive mind. Instead of resting on my laurels, I should try to understand and adapt to the way my children are living now. Only in this way can I truly become their eternal backer and support.
I smiled and made up my mind to cherish this wonderful family. I will do my best to maintain it, both in the past and now, and make it an eternal pillar of our family.
I looked up at my son and daughter-in-law's concerned eyes, and felt a wave of warmth welling up in my heart. I gently shook their hands and said sincerely, "I'm sorry for worrying you." From today onwards, I will try to understand and adapt to your current state of life and try to meet your needs. Although I am no longer young, I am still your dearest father, and I will always be here to support and care for you. "
My son and daughter-in-law smiled at each other and hugged me tightly. I felt their warmth and my own inner peace. My shoulders that had been tense slowly relaxed, and my heart was full of gratitude and relief.
This family is still so important to me, and I must not allow myself to be forgotten by the changes of the times. I will try to adapt, try to meet the needs of the children, and make this family always full of warmth and happiness.