My name is Zhang Xinyue, I am 65 years old this year, and I have been an ordinary child since I was a child. Our family was very poor, and our parents were always busy earning money to support the family and rarely accompanied us. When I was in school, I was admitted to university with my own efforts, and after graduation, I found a stable job in a state-owned enterprise with my own ability. Later, I lived on my own, kept working hard, and slowly accumulated some savings.
When I was 50 years old, I chose to retire. With the money, I decided to enjoy my retirement and go traveling, watching movies, and playing golf. But it didn't take long for me to find that life seemed a little boring and lonely. I began to feel helpless and lost all the time, not knowing how to fill the empty days.
One day, while I was walking in the park, I met an old friend, Li Xiaohong. The two of us hadn't seen each other in years, and it was a pleasure to see each other again. We exchanged a few pleasantries, and Li Xiaohong asked me, "I heard that you are retired, don't you enjoy it?"
I sighed and said, "To be honest, I find retirement a bit boring. I used to be busy with work and go out to play whenever I had time, but now I sit at home every day in a daze, and sometimes I feel that I have no goals. "
Li Xiaohong nodded and said, "I know how you feel. I also retired two years ago, and I did feel relaxed at first, but slowly I felt that life became boring and I was in a daze every day. Later I found out that even without a job, life should have some rules and goals. "
"yes, I think so too. I nodded, "But I don't know how to organize my life, and sometimes I feel like I'm too old to do anything." "
"Don't think like that," Li Xiaohong comforted me, "You are in good health and in good spirits now, you can try some new things." For example, you can learn new skills, such as drawing, cooking, or learning a foreign language. Or participate in some volunteer services to help people in need and feel the meaning of life. "
I listened and nodded, "You have a point. I've been at home all the time, and I'm a little depressed. I can learn something new and enrich my life. "
"yes, now that you have plenty of time and energy, why not plan for your retirement?" Li Xiaohong said with a smile.
"You're right, I'll think about it. Thank you for the suggestion, and we'll get in touch in the future. "I sincerely thank you.
"Nothing, we've been good friends for years. Feel free to let me know if you need help in the future. Li Xiaohong patted me on the shoulder.
We chatted for a while, encouraging each other and feeling much better. When I left, I was determined to plan my retirement and stop letting myself be bored and lonely.
So, I immediately searched the Internet for a painting class near me, and soon found a studio with good reviews. I immediately called them and booked a class for the following Monday. The teacher said that this course is suitable for beginners, and will start with basic sketching and color exercises, and teach drawing techniques step by step. Sounds like that, and I can't wait for next Monday to arrive.
In addition to painting, I also started to try to participate in some volunteering activities. I went to a nearby nursing home to volunteer to help take care of some elderly people with mobility problems. At first, I was a little worried that I wouldn't be able to do it, but when I actually walked into the nursing home and saw the lonely elderly people, I couldn't help but feel a strong sense of compassion in my heart. I patiently chatted with them, helped them with simple chores, and I felt extremely fulfilled when I saw the happy smiles on their faces.
One day, I was taking care of an elderly man named Grandma Zhang. She only has children like me, and she usually lives alone. I found her room to be very messy, and many of the furniture looked old and dilapidated. So I offered to help clean up and tidy up her room. Grandma Zhang was very grateful for my help, saying that she was old and lacked energy, and it was really difficult for her to take care of the house by herself. I looked at the smile on her face, and I felt so warm inside.
In the days that followed, I often visited Grandma Zhang, helped her with household chores, and chatted with her. Gradually, a deep friendship was developed between us. Grandma Zhang confided in me about her life experience. It turned out that her husband died many years ago, and she raised her children alone and worked hard all her life. Now that the children have also started a family, they rarely come to see her. She felt lonely and helpless, and sometimes even doubted the value of her life.
Hearing Grandma Zhang's story, I was deeply touched in my heart. I think of the confusion and helplessness of my retirement, and I can't help but lament the impermanence of life. I comforted Grandma Zhang and said, "Grandma, you are a very strong person, and it is already a great achievement for you to raise your children alone and work hard all your life." You can now enjoy your old age and don't feel worthless. You are a very important friend to me, and I will always be with you through this period. "
Grandma Zhang couldn't help but burst into tears when she heard this, held my hand tightly, and murmured, "Thank you, child." I'm so lucky to have met someone as kind as you. "
Since that day, we have become more and more connected. Every weekend, I would visit Grandma Zhang, help her clean her room, and chat with her. Sometimes we cook simple meals together and savor them slowly in the sunset. Slowly, Grandma Zhang's life has become regular and fulfilling. She began to regain confidence in life and her mental state was getting better and better. I'm really happy for her.
Through this period of practice, I have deeply realized that even in the twilight of life, as long as we take the initiative to try new things and care for others, life will still become colorful. I also understand that even without a job, we can still find our own value in life. At this moment, I feel more satisfaction and peace in my heart than ever before, and I believe that as long as I continue on this path, the future will be better and better.
In painting and volunteering, I found meaning in my retirement. At the same time, I also started to think about my life. As an elderly person who lives alone, I realized that I might face more and more loneliness and helplessness later on. So I started to seriously consider whether I should have children to lay some security for my future.
I knew there might be some difficulties and risks in having a baby at this age, but I decided to give it a try anyway. I first went to the hospital for a series of tests to see if my physical condition was suitable for pregnancy. The doctor told me that although I am already a little old, as long as I am well prepared and conditioned, I can get pregnant and have children. When I heard the news, my heart was filled with hope and anticipation.
In the months that followed, I adjusted my diet and routine to try to regulate my physical condition. I also found a professional maternity doctor to check up regularly and listen to his advice. At the same time, I also began to make all kinds of preparations for the new life that was about to come. I carefully selected baby products and renovated my house to create a comfortable environment for future children.
Finally, after a lot of twists and turns, I got pregnant. When I heard the news, I couldn't contain my excitement and excitement. I had been living alone for so many years, and suddenly a new life was slowly growing in my belly, which made me feel more satisfied and happy than ever.
But at the same time, I also vaguely felt some worry and anxiety. As an elderly man in his sixties, can I afford to take care of a child? Will the child be bullied and discriminated against in the future because of my age? How can I educate this child so that he can grow up healthy and happy? These questions have plagued me again and again, and have made me fall into some uneasiness and confusion.
In order to alleviate these negative emotions, I took the initiative to contact Li Xiaohong again. After we met, I honestly confided in her about my situation and concerns. After listening to this, Li Xiaohong couldn't help but sigh with emotion: "Your decision is really quite bold. But I understand your thoughts, and it is inevitable that you will feel worried and scared when you are alone. However, I believe that as long as you are well prepared, you will be able to take your child through this stage smoothly. "
"However, I am so old that I am afraid that I will not be able to give my children enough love and care. I said worriedly.
"Don't think like that," Li Xiaohong comforted me, "you have such a rich experience, you will definitely be the best parent for your children." And I will also do my best to help you and support you anytime and anywhere. With our friends here, you will be able to take care of your children. "
Li Xiaohong's words made me feel a burst of warmth in my heart. I realized that even if I was alone, with the support of my family and friends, I would be able to get through the current difficulties and give my children a bright future.
As the pregnancy progressed, my physical condition also improved. I had a prenatal check-up on time and followed the doctor's instructions carefully. For the sake of my baby's health, I also began to adjust my diet and exercise more. In the process, I found myself becoming more energetic.
Sometimes, when I hold my sleeping baby and quietly admire his angelic face, I can't help but cry. This child made me feel the beauty of life and rekindled my hope for the future. I believe that with his company, my life will become more colorful.
I started with the basics and tried to learn how to feed my baby, bathe him, put him to sleep, and so on. At first, my technique was very jerky, and I would often make my baby cry non-stop, but through continuous practice and experimentation, I gradually mastered the trick. Watching my baby grow up healthy and happy under my care is also full of pride and gratification.
At the same time, I also began to focus on cultivating all aspects of my baby's abilities. I prepared a variety of age-appropriate toys for him to play with and explore. I noticed that my baby was very interested in music and painting, so I bought him a children's piano and painting tools, and guided him to practice regularly. Watching my baby master new skills little by little, my heart is full of joy beyond words.
Sometimes, when I play alone with my baby, I feel a sense of fulfillment that I have never felt before. This child brought a whole new meaning to my life and made me no longer feel lonely and helpless. I gradually reaped the joy of being a father and cherished the good times I had now.
One day, I specially asked Li Xiaohong to come to my house to chat. I told her that although I had tried my best to prepare for my baby's future, I still couldn't let go of my worries. Li Xiaohong comforted me and said, "Don't worry, I will always be by your side and do my best to help you take care of your baby." I will make sure that my baby will grow up healthy and happy in the future. "
Hearing Li Xiaohong's promise, I suddenly felt extremely relieved in my heart. I would like to thank her for her continued support and help over the years. With a reliable friend like her by my side, I feel much more at ease.
In order to ensure that my baby can grow up smoothly in the future, I also took the initiative to contact some professional educational institutions to seek their advice. I learned that there are now many quality hosting services that can help take care of the baby while I am away. I carefully compared the pros and cons of each institution and finally chose a highly-rated colocation center and paid for it for a few years in advance.
In addition, I also started to find the right educational resources for my baby. I looked up information on various kindergartens and elementary schools online and made several field trips. After repeated comparisons and trade-offs, I finally signed up for a kindergarten with strong teachers and an excellent teaching environment. I believe that here the baby can not only receive a quality education, but also develop good social skills.
As the preparations were completed, my anxiety was gradually relieved. I believe that as long as I continue to do my best to pave the way for my baby's future, he will be able to grow up healthy and happy and have a good life.
Sometimes, when I look at the baby sleeping in the cradle, I can't help but feel a sour feeling in my heart. I know that I may not be able to accompany him through his entire formative journey, but I will do my best to give him a great start. I hope that through my hard work, I can make the future of my baby bright, which is also my biggest vision in this life.