Lee so-young has been retired for five years, and her life seems to be filled with the laughter of her grandchildren and the trivial things at home. Every day, she pushes a stroller and takes her grandson Xiaoyu for a walk in the garden of the community, chatting with the neighbors. She has done everything herself in every stage of her grandson's growth, from changing diapers to teaching him toddlers to sending him to kindergarten, Lee so-young has put all her energy and emotions into it.
"Mom, you see how well-behaved Xiaoyu is, you teach it well. When his son Li Qiang came home from work, he couldn't help but sigh when he saw the warm scene of his mother and son playing.
Li Xiuying smiled and waved her hand, "This kid is naturally sensible, and my old bones can still help, so I'll do my best." ”
Daughter-in-law Xiaomei often said gratefully: "Mom, you are really our savior, without you, Qiangzi and I really don't know what to do." ”
Li Xiuying always responds modestly, but her heart is warm. She feels that although her pension is not much, it is worth it to reduce some of the burden on her son's family. So, she will take out part of the money every month to subsidize the family, whether it is buying rice and oil, or buying toys and clothes for Xiaoyu.
However, as time passed, Li Xiuying gradually felt a little powerless. As children grow up, they need not only care, but also education and companionship. And she also began to miss her retirement life and wanted to have more time and space for herself.
"Mom, this month's living expenses are not enough, can you see if you can add more?" Xiaomei said with some embarrassment.
Li Xiuying sighed and took out her wallet from her pocket, "Okay, I haven't used my pension much this month, so I'll give it to you first." ”
At night, Li Xiuying sat alone on the balcony, looking at the starry sky, feeling a little uncomfortable. She began to wonder if her dedication was really beneficial to her son's family, or was it just inadvertently contributing to their dependence?
The weekend sun shines through the gaps in the leaves and sprinkles on Lee so-young's face, and she is taking Xiaoyu to rest on a park bench. The laughter of children and the small talk of people around them are intertwined to form a harmonious picture. However, the quiet afternoon was interrupted by a familiar voice.
"Hey, Xiaomei, this month's mortgage has to be repaid again, and our money is still not enough. It was Li Qiang's voice.
Li Xiuying turned her head to see that under the shade of a tree not far away, her son and daughter-in-law were sitting and discussing something. She didn't want to eavesdrop, but her son's words caught her attention.
"Yes, Qiangzi, why don't we talk to my mother and let her help a little more?" Xiaomei's voice carried a hint of helplessness.
Li Xiuying's heart tightened, she didn't expect her pension to become the "foil" of her son's family. She listened silently, with mixed feelings in her heart.
"However, my mother has already helped us a lot, and I can't open my mouth when I ask her again. Li Qiang looked a little embarrassed.
"What then? We can't keep doing this, right? Xiaomei sighed.
Li Xiuying's brows furrowed tighter and tighter, she stood up and slowly walked towards her son and daughter-in-law. Xiao Yu felt grandma's mood change and tugged at the corner of her clothes, "Grandma, what's wrong with you?"
"It's okay, Xiaoyu, grandma is a little tired. Li Xiuying squeezed out a smile, but her heart was turning over the river.
"Mom, why are you here?" Li Qiang was a little surprised when he saw his mother coming over.
"Oh, I brought Xiaoyu to the park to play, and by the way, I heard you guys chatting. Lee tried her best to make her voice sound calm.
"Mom, we didn't mean to, we just ......" Xiaomei hurriedly explained, but was interrupted by Li Xiuying.
"I understand that you have your problems. Li Xiuying took a deep breath, "However, I also have my plans." I've been helping you all these years, but it's time for me to think about my own life. ”
Li Qiang and Xiaomei glanced at each other and seemed to realize something. Li Xiuying didn't say anything more, just patted Xiaoyu's head gently, turned around and walked away slowly. Her back looked a little lonely in the sun, but her steps were firm.
Li Xiuying sat on the sofa in the living room, holding a cup of tea that had been slightly cooled in her hand, staring at the sky outside through the window. She knew it was time to have a good talk with her son and daughter-in-law. Son Li Qiang and daughter-in-law Xiaomei had just come back from outside, and when they saw their mother's serious expression, they looked at each other and were a little apprehensive in their hearts.
"Mom, are you looking for something with us?" Li Qiang asked cautiously.
Li Xiuying turned her head, took a deep breath, and said calmly, "Yes, I think it is necessary for us to talk." ”
Xiaomei nervously shook Li Qiang's hand, and then said, "Mom, did you hear our previous conversation?"
"Yes, I heard you. Li Xiuying nodded, "I know you are under financial pressure, but I also have my own plans." I want to have a life of my own, and I don't want to use all my retirement money to support my family. ”
Li Qiang was stunned for a moment, and then said, "Mom, we didn't mean that, we just ......"
"I understand. Li Xiuying interrupted him, "But you should also learn to be independent." Xiaoyu is already in kindergarten, and I should have my own time to do some things I want to do. ”
Xiaomei's eyes were a little red, and she choked up and said, "Mom, we really appreciate your efforts over the years, we just ......"
"I know, I know. Li Xiuying patted Xiaomei's hand gently, "But you also have to learn to take responsibility." I want to recover the mortgage, and you can figure it out by yourself. ”
Li Qiang and Xiaomei were silent, they knew that their mother's words were well thought out. After a long while, Li Qiang spoke: "Mom, we understand." We will work hard, you can rest assured. ”
A hint of relief flashed in Li Xiuying's eyes, she knew that this decision was not easy for her son's family, but it was necessary. She stood up and gently hugged her son and daughter-in-law, "I'm sure you can do it." We work together for a better future. ”
The sunset outside the window spilled into the house, shining on the three of them, warm and firm.
The lively atmosphere of the family gathering froze at the moment when Lee so-young announced her decision. At the dinner table, the original laughter and laughter came to an abrupt end, and the eyes of the family were focused on Li Xiuying.
"I've decided that from next month, you will pay the mortgage yourself. Li Xiuying's voice was not loud, but it was enough for everyone present to hear it clearly.
Li Qiang put down the chopsticks in his hand and frowned, "Mom, why did you suddenly decide on this matter?"
"It's not all of a sudden, it's something I've been thinking about for a long time. Li Xiuying replied calmly, her eyes revealing firmness, "I need to have my own life, and I can't always worry about you." ”
Xiaomei's face was a little pale, and she asked nervously, "Mom, what should we do then......?"
"That's what you need to figure out for yourselves. Li Xiuying interrupted Xiaomei's words, with a hint of undoubted in her tone, "I believe that you have the ability to handle this problem." ”
The atmosphere at the dinner table became more tense, and other relatives began to whisper, some expressing understanding and others worried.
Li Qiang's younger brother Li Ming couldn't help but interject: "Mom, isn't it a little too sudden for you to do this......?"
"Akiko, this is our family's business. Li Xiuying glanced at Li Ming with a hint of reproach in her eyes, "I know it's difficult, but everyone has to learn to grow, including you." ”
Xiao Yu looked at the serious faces of the adults and felt a little frightened, he pulled the corner of Li Xiuying's clothes and whispered, "Grandma, what's wrong with you?"
Li Xiuying touched Xiaoyu's head and said gently, "It's okay, grandma is just discussing some important things with the adults." ”
Li Qiang took a deep breath, he knew that his mother's decision had been made, he stood up and said seriously, "Mom, we respect your decision. We'll find a way to solve the mortgage problem. ”
Xiaomei also nodded, although there were still tears in her eyes, her voice was firm: "Mom, thank you for all these years of dedication, we will work hard." ”
A glimmer of tears flashed in Lee so-young's eyes, she knew that this decision was not easy for everyone, but she believed that it was the right one. She stood up, looked around at her family, and said in a firm and gentle tone: "We are all a family, no matter what difficulties we encounter, as long as we are united, there is no obstacle that cannot be overcome." ”
The atmosphere at the dinner table gradually eased, and although everyone had their own worries in their hearts, Li Xiuying's words gave them strength. They believe that nothing is impossible as long as the family is together.
With the passage of time, the atmosphere of Li Xiuying's house gradually warmed up. After that family gathering, Li Xiuying sat down with her son and daughter-in-law for an in-depth communication. They began to understand each other's positions and reached a new consensus.
"Mom, we've been thinking about it for a long time, and you're right, we really need to learn to be independent. Li Qiang said to Li Xiuying at a dinner.
Li Xiuying nodded, her eyes full of relief: "I'm glad you can understand." ”
Xiaomei also continued: "We have contacted the bank to replan our financial situation. ”
"That's right," Li Xiuying responded with a smile, "I'm sure you can handle it." ”
As she began planning her retirement, she decided to recapture her youthful hobbies, signed up for a calligraphy and painting class in the community, and planned to organize a trip with her old friends.
"Grandma, are you going on a trip?" asked Xiaoyu curiously.
"Yes, grandma also wants to go outside and enjoy life. Li Xiuying stroked Xiaoyu's head and said gently.
Li Qiang and Xiaomei also began to work hard to improve themselves, hoping to better assume the responsibilities of the family. They cut back on unnecessary expenses and started learning about financial literacy, hoping to achieve financial freedom sooner rather than later.
"Mom, we have recently started to learn about financial management, do you have any suggestions?" Xiaomei humbly asked Li Xiuying for advice.
Li Xiuying smiled and shook her head: "You young people have your own ideas, and I believe you can do a good job." ”
Time flies like a white horse, and in the blink of an eye, Li Xiuying's retirement life is becoming more and more colorful. Not only did she make a lot of progress in the painting and calligraphy class, but she also completed the long-awaited trip with her old friends.
"Mom, you see, this is our most recent financial statement, and we've been able to afford the mortgage on our own. Li Qiang proudly showed Li Xiuying the fruits of their efforts.
Li Xiuying took the report, tears flashing in her eyes: "You have really grown up, I am proud of you." ”
Family harmony and personal growth are perfectly integrated in this small home. Li Xiuying's relationship with her son and daughter-in-law is more harmonious, and they have also found their own value and direction in independence.
This article is a microfiction, please do not sit in the opposite seat