Eight years under the fence
My name is Li Xiufen and I am 68 years old. I have two children, a son and a daughter, the son works in other places and the daughter is married locally. Eight years ago, my wife passed away due to illness, leaving me alone in my hometown. At that time, my daughter and son-in-law offered to let me move to their house, saying that it would be convenient to take care of me. I thought it would be lonely to be alone in an empty room, so I agreed.
At first, the life of my daughter's family was quite warm, and we had three generations living together. But as time went on, I found myself looking more and more like an outsider in this home. The son-in-law's attitude gradually cooled, and the daughter was caught in the middle, in a dilemma.
Just last week, the son-in-law suddenly offered to change houses. "Mom, you see that I have lived in this house for many years now, and the facilities are old. We have taken a fancy to a newly developed property, the environment is very good, the transportation is convenient, and it is also good for the growth of Tingting (granddaughter's name). My son-in-law said to me.
I nodded in understanding. After all, it's normal for their young people to want a better living environment. But what I didn't expect was that my son-in-law's next words surprised me.
"Mom, we need some funds to change houses. You see, can you fund some of them? The son-in-law asked tentatively.
I chuckled in my heart, isn't this a clear demand for my money? My savings over the years have been saved by my wife and I so hard, and I wanted to keep them for my retirement. I hesitated for a moment and politely refused: "Xiao Liu, you young people have hands and feet, and you should work hard to earn money by yourself." I have to keep this little savings for my own retirement. ”
The son-in-law's face changed all of a sudden, and he obviously didn't expect me to refuse. The daughter also looked embarrassed, but she didn't say anything.
From that day on, the atmosphere at home became extremely awkward. My son-in-law's attitude towards me was even colder, and it could even be said that he was indifferent. My daughter tries to avoid being alone with me so as not to be embarrassed.
A few days later, my son-in-law suddenly came to me and said that he had something to talk to me about. I felt a little uneasy, but I followed him into the study.
"Mom, since you don't want to sponsor us to change houses, then I think you might as well move out." The son-in-law said straight to the point.
I was stunned, I couldn't believe my ears. Is this trying to drive me away? I've lived in this house for eight years, and I'm going to be kicked out because I didn't pay for them to change houses?
"Xiao Liu, what do you mean by that? I've lived here for so many years and you suddenly say you want me to move out? I tried to stay calm, but my voice couldn't help but tremble.
"Mom, don't get me wrong. We just want to change to a better environment, but since you don't want to fund, we can only make some adjustments. The son-in-law's tone was cold, as if he was saying something inconsequential.
I felt a chill in my heart, is this what is called family affection? In the face of money, it is so vulnerable. I took a deep breath and tried to calm my excitement.
"Okay, since you decided so, then I'll move out." I tried to make my voice sound calmer, "But I have a request, I'm going to take Tingting with me." ”
"This ......" The son-in-law obviously didn't expect me to make such a request, he was stunned for a moment, "Tingting is our daughter, she should be with us." ”
"I'm her grandmother, and I have the right to take care of her." I said firmly, "And, I'm sure you'll agree." ”
The son-in-law was silent for a moment, and finally nodded: "Okay, but you have to make sure to take good care of her." ”
In this way, I left that home with my granddaughter Tingting. Although my heart was full of bitterness and helplessness, I knew that I had to be strong. For Tingting, but also for herself.
After leaving my daughter's house, I rented a small house, which was simple but cozy. Tingting and I started a new life, although it was a little difficult, but we depended on each other and lived happily.
Time passed, and Tingting gradually grew up. She is very sensible, often helps me with household chores, and comforts me. I know that I made the right decision, and this child is my only support and hope now.
On the side of my daughter and son-in-law, I occasionally hear some news. They eventually changed houses, but they were not as happy as they imagined. The son-in-law is often away from home because of his busy work, and the daughter is taking care of the family and children alone, and she has a hard time.
Sometimes I wonder if they hadn't made that decision, but now it's irreversible. I can only silently pray that they will find their own happiness.
Eight years later, I am now accustomed to this simple and peaceful life. Although I sometimes feel lonely and helpless, I know I have to be strong to keep going. For Tingting's future, but also for her own dignity and pride.
And in these long years, I have gradually understood a truth: family affection is important, but more important is to learn to be independent and strong. Only in this way can we go further and more steadily on the road of life.