Li Ming's retirement life is like a picture of tranquility, and each day flows smoothly according to the rhythm he envisioned. He has become accustomed to the feeling of the first rays of the sun shining on his face in the morning, and always opens his eyes in the warm sunshine, seeing that his wife Li Hong is still asleep, he will get up gently and prepare breakfast for the two.
"Wife, what do you want to eat today?" Li Ming asked softly, and began to get busy in the kitchen, the sound of the spatula was unhurried, revealing the harmony and joy of the day.
"Well, let's cook some millet porridge, lighter." Li Hong blinked and replied lazily. She likes such a comfortable morning light, and prefers to be able to have such a time, she and Li Ming can enjoy the world of the two without constraints.
In the afternoon, the park became a place for Li Ming to communicate. Playing chess, chatting, and sometimes sitting around with a few friends who are also retired, chatting about the atmosphere, chatting about the news, and sometimes talking about their children, everyone has their own pride and little concern.
"Wife, I won two games of chess today, you said that if we Li Qiang were here, I would definitely laugh at me and be dizzy." Li Ming proudly looked like a child, sharing the joy of victory with Li Hong.
"yes, then you have to let him know tonight, make a call." Li Hong always supports Li Ming's little interests, and she knows that these little things are the spice of life for him.
Although Li Qiang has his own life and work on the other side of the city, he always finds time to come back every weekend, and this home has always been a warm harbor for him. "Dad, are you busy at work? Do you want me to help? He always likes to ask jokingly.
"Son, you're busy enough with your own affairs, Dad, I'm fine, don't worry about it." Li Ming replied like this every time, and he was always unwilling to cause trouble to his son.
The days flowed slowly like this, until one day, Li Ming felt his chest tight, breathing poorly, and the sudden pain made him feel unprecedented panic. "Wife, I... I'll probably have to go to the hospital. Li Ming's voice carried a hint of exhaustion and uneasiness.
"Don't worry, I'll go with you, it'll be fine." Li Hong grabbed Li Ming's hand tightly, her voice trying her best to remain calm, but she still couldn't hide the anxiety in her heart.
The corridor of the hospital seemed cold and long, and the sounds of various medical devices were intertwined, accompanied by Li Ming's increasingly heavy breathing. After a series of examinations, the doctor said with a calm face: "I need to be hospitalized for observation and further examination." ”
"Dad, don't worry, it's going to get better, I'll take a leave of absence right away." On the other end of the phone, Li Qiang's voice was full of anxiety.
Li Ming closed his eyes, he wasn't sure if he would be able to overcome the difficulties in front of him as easily as usual. But he knows that with his family by his side, no matter how bumpy the road ahead, there is no need to be afraid.
As his condition worsened, Li Ming's mood was heavier than before when he woke up every day. He and Li Hong spent time together in the hospital day and night, and those days of fighting the disease became a reason for them to cling to each other. Li Ming knows that the disease has become an inevitable part of their retirement life.
"Wife, the medical bills are going to rise again this time, let's..." Li Ming hesitated, with a hint of helplessness in his voice, and the hospital bill fell like snowflakes to this originally peaceful family.
Li Hong sighed deeply, held his hand, and said warmly and firmly: "Don't worry, we have a way." Pensions, savings, and the old house, let's take it step by step. ”
After Li Qiang found out, he immediately took Li Ming's hand: "Dad, don't worry about this matter, I'll deal with it." I can take out loans, I can work overtime, and I won't let you worry about money. ”
"Son, it's not easy for you now, it's hard enough to support your family, you can't do it for us anymore..." Before Li Ming finished speaking, Li Hong interrupted him: "Our son will grow up after all, he has his determination and courage, you should be proud of him." ”
As the disease progressed, Li Ming began to experience complications. His face was less and less smiling, replaced by anxiety and hesitation. "Wife, if... If I'm gone, what will you and Li Qiang do? Li Ming whispered to Li Hong late at night.
"Don't say that, doctors don't have a way, you have to believe in science, believe that there will be miracles." Li Hong's eyes were rosy, suppressing his emotions, and trying to comfort Li Ming in a calm tone.
After Li Qiang learned of his father's illness, he worked overtime to make money, and almost all his rest time was spent in the hospital. He kept cheering himself up: "Dad, you must hold on, I will find the best doctor and will give you the best treatment." ”
However, the reality is harsh. After one examination after another, the doctor sighed and said to Li Ming: "Your situation is very complicated, and we have done our best. Li Ming listened, and his heart felt as if he had been pressed with a heavy object. Money is too powerless for life, and he began to truly understand this simple but profound truth.
That night, the family of three sat on a bench in the hospital, without the usual jokes. "Dad, Mom, although money is important, I understand that it is not omnipotent, our family is together and supports each other, this is the most important thing." Li Qiang looked at his parents, his eyes flashing with determination.
Li Ming looked up at the dim light on the ceiling, and he had an indescribable feeling in his heart. At that moment, he saw that there were tears in the eyes of his wife and son, they depended on each other, with warmth in bitterness, this is his truest family emotion.
The night in the ward was eerily silent, save for the wind outside the window and the occasional sound of instruments in the distance. Li Ming lay alone on the hospital bed, and the outside world gradually drifted away from him. His eyes looked deep into the ceiling, his eyes reflecting the past, and everything seemed to tell him that the most precious thing in life was not a warehouse full of coins, but those times spent with his family.
"Wife, I used to look forward to taking you to see the world after retirement, and I wanted to give you a better life." Li Ming's voice was weak and choked, Li Hong held his hand tightly, and his watery eyes were full of reluctance: "The days we walked together are my best memories, you know?" ”
"Dad, you've given me so much. You taught me what responsibility is and what persistence is. Li Qiang stood by the bed, his eyes full of reverence, but he was also so powerless.
During that long night, Li Ming's heart experienced unprecedented shocks. Money, fame, status... These things, which he had once been proud of, now seemed so pale and weak. He finally understands that even the richest man in the world can't buy back the health and time that have passed.
He thought of what he always said to his family whenever he worked overtime: "No matter how busy you are, you have to earn money!" Now that I think about it, I can't help but be ironic. Li Ming pondered for a long time, as if looking for a relief: "Actually, now I understand...... Health and the company of family are the most cherished. ”
Li Hong looked at him quietly, and gently stroked his cheeks with both hands: "We have shared hardships and hardships, whether we are poor or rich, we have survived." Now, I just hope you are safe. ”
"Mom is right, Dad, you know, no matter what happens, we are a family, and we will be there for you." Li Qiang held his father's other hand, just like when he was a child, seeking comfort.
A trace of tears flashed in Li Ming's eyes, and although his body was getting weaker and weaker, a deep warmth swelled up in his heart. "I... It's good that I have you. His voice was full of love and relief, and although he knew that the future might be full of unknowns and fears, at this moment, he felt calmer than ever.
Under the baptism of illness, Li Ming's soul has been reshaped, and the hardships and struggles of his life have faded from his gorgeous coat in the face of ordinary and real family emotions. Although this illness devastated his body, it sublimated his spirit, and he felt that this may be the deepest epiphany in his life.
The white walls of the hospital are no longer the color of Li Ming's anxiety, but have become a backdrop for his family to spend time together. Through a late-night heart-to-heart conversation with Li Hong and Li Qiang, he understands everything he cherishes. At this moment, Li Ming chose to accept it and accepted the reality brought by the illness with relief.
"Wife, son, I think I understand the most important thing." There were ripples in Li Ming's eyes, but his voice was calm, "Life is an unpredictable journey, we can't catch it, let alone buy it." I don't want our memories to be all but the white walls of the hospital and the smell of potions. ”
Li Hong held his hand tightly, and the tears in his eyes finally fell, "I understand, I understand what you mean." We watched the sunrise together, walked together, as long as we were together, it was enough. ”
And Li Qiang held back his tears and nodded in response: "Dad, you taught me to face it bravely, and now, I want to accompany you to enjoy life bravely." ”
So, Li Ming made a decision, and he began to refuse those too hard treatments, those superfluous tortures. All he wants is to spend every day with his family. Although the disease was still wandering in his body, his heart was unusually peaceful. He began to look forward to every sunrise and sunset, to every conversation and smile with his family.
The hospital's garden has become a place for Li Mingxin, and Li Hong and Li Qiang will push his wheelchair and walk slowly along the path. Li Minghui reached out to touch the flowers and plants on the side of the road, and he felt the beauty of life. After dinner, the family would sit around the small table in the hospital room, sometimes chatting about interesting things in the past and sometimes planning dreams that may not be possible in the future. But the important thing is not whether the dream comes true, but the process, the companionship.
Li Ming's decision, just like the last brilliance of his life, is the most profound understanding and tribute to life. He taught his family a simple but profound truth: recognize what is the most precious thing in life, cherish the moment, and cherish each other's company.
Time passed slowly outside Li Ming's window, but his heart found peace in this slow time. Li Ming, an ordinary and strong father, a warm and loving husband, has completed the interpretation of life in his own way.