How can a 72-year-old man who lives alone usher in a second spring?
The sunlight at dusk gently sprinkled on the mottled walls, like the traces of time, deep and shallow. In this quiet alley, a 72-year-old elderly man who lives alone sits quietly on a wooden chair in front of the door, her eyes hiding countless stories, but also revealing a trace of loneliness and strength.
"Raising children to prevent old age" is a deep-rooted concept of many generations of Chinese. In this era of rapid change, when children grow up, they are running around for life, and the elderly are gradually understanding that children are not the only support for the elderly.
Grandma Li is such an elderly person who lives alone. She used to be a teacher, teaching and educating people, and she was full of peach and plums. Her husband died of illness at an early age, and she raised her son alone. After his son got married, he worked in other places, busy with his career and small family, and only a handful of times he came home. Grandma Li understands her son's difficulty, but the loneliness in her heart is indescribable.
She often sat on a wooden chair in front of the door, reminiscing about the past. At that time, she was young and energetic, and together with her husband, she lived a simple and happy life. Whenever a student calls her the best teacher, she always smiles from ear to ear. The years are merciless, and in the blink of an eye, she is full of gray hair.
Grandma Li has a good pension and does not rely on anyone materially, but the vacancy in her heart has never been filled. She needs companionship and listening. One day, a young volunteer, Xiaohong, came to the community. He is enthusiastic and cheerful, and he will come to talk to Grandma Li every week and help her do some housework within his ability. Grandma Li's face gradually returned to her old smile. With Xiaohong's company, she began to learn calligraphy and practice tai chi again, and her life became colorful.
"It is enough to have a confidant in life, and the world should treat it with the same heart. Grandma Li often quoted Lu Xun's words to describe her friendship with Xiaohong. In this unusual friendship, she found solace in her old age.
Who would have thought that happiness would come too quickly and go too fast, and Xiaohong would have to go to the city where his girlfriend works to make a living. When parting, Grandma Li held his hand tightly, and her eyes flashed with tears of reluctance. This wonderful time is destined to become only a memory.
After Xiaohong left, Grandma Li returned to her previous life. But this time, there was a noticeable change in her mindset. She began to take the initiative to participate in community activities and meet new people. She found that even without the company of her children and the care of Xiaohong, she could still live a wonderful life.
"Life is like a play, because we get together because of fate. Grandma Li often sighs like this. She began to cherish the time she spent with everyone around her, whether it was an old friend or a new acquaintance.
In just two years, Grandma Li has become a "star" old man in the community. She is helpful and understanding, and everyone loves to chat with her. Her life became full and meaningful, and her loneliness faded.
"True loneliness is an emptiness that goes deep into the bone marrow, an emptiness that drives you crazy. Even in the midst of the cheers, you will feel empty, melancholy and frustration in your heart. Grandma Li once described her loneliness in the past. But now, she has walked out of that haze and ushered in the second spring of her life.
In this process, Grandma Li gradually understood a truth: providing for the elderly is not only dependent on children. There are many other good things in life that we should pursue and cherish. Whether it is family, friendship or love, it is an indispensable support and strength in our lives.
"The death of an elderly person is tantamount to toppling a museum. This is Gorky's famous quote. Grandma Li knows that her later life is not only lonely and waiting, but can be colorful, full of hope and expectation.
Nowadays, at dusk, Grandma Li still sits on a wooden chair in front of the door, quietly enjoying the afterglow of the sunset. But the difference is that her face is more calm and calm, which is the wisdom and courage given by the years.
In this fast-paced society, we often ignore the elderly around us. Let us not forget to care for them in our busy lives and give them the companionship and warmth they deserve. After all, everyone has a day to grow old, and warmth and care are our common needs.