“There are some things that are hard to put into words”

Mother-in-law in her 70s was in a dilemma when her daughter-in-law announced she was pregnant.

"Mom, you don't know how to enjoy your blessings. You have so many children and grandchildren, what else are you unhappy about?" My daughter-in-law Tieu Linh's voice rang out in my ears, carrying a teasing tone.

My daughter-in-law just announced the good news that my son is about to give birth to his third grandchild. At first, everyone thought I should be very happy, because the family is about to have a new member, having a large family is a great happiness that everyone desires. But deep inside, I have indescribable feelings, there are really things that are hard to put into words.

The daughter-in-law reported good news, but the mother-in-law in her 70s quietly forced a smile. Illustrative photo

I am 69 years old and have always wanted to have many children and grandchildren. I want to see my children grow up and play in the house, I want to take care of them and support the family.

But when the children were born, I realized how hard it is to take care of young children.

My two eldest grandchildren, one is five years old, the other is three years old, they are naughty and hyperactive, many times I had to run after them around the house, comfort them when they cried, and feed them.

At night, they cry again, many nights I have to stay up all night to lull them to sleep.

I have devoted all my heart and energy to taking care of my children, from eating, sleeping, to teaching and playing with them.

Seeing my children grow up day by day, I feel happy and proud. But at the same time, I also feel like I have "burned" myself out for them.

I have no time for myself, no energy to do the things I like.

I miss the afternoons sipping tea with friends, the days going to the temple to worship Buddha, and the trips with the elderly group.

Now, my life revolves around diapers, milk, and the cries and laughter of my grandchildren. I only hope that when they are strong enough to go to kindergarten, I can rest and return to my hometown to enjoy my old age.

I want to go back to the countryside, plant a small vegetable garden, raise some chickens, exercise in the garden in the morning, walk with friends in the afternoon, watch TV and read books in the evening. That peaceful life has always been my dream.

But then my daughter-in-law got pregnant again, and I knew I had to continue the "battle" of childcare.

I love my children and grandchildren, I cannot refuse to help. But I also feel tired, I am afraid I do not have enough strength to take care of another child.

I worry about my health, I'm afraid I can't accompany my children on the path to adulthood.

I am 69 years old now, my health is not what it used to be, my bones and joints are starting to ache, my eyesight is blurry, and my hearing is getting worse. I am afraid that I will become a burden to my children.

I know, my thoughts may be considered selfish, but I hope everyone understands the feelings of a grandmother who has devoted her whole life to her children and grandchildren.

I also want to rest, want to live for myself. But I am also a mother, a grandmother, I can not abandon my children and grandchildren.

I know I will continue to take care of the children, but I also hope to receive sympathy and sharing from those around me.

Illustration photo

I hope that when my children grow up, they will understand the silent sacrifices of their grandmother and mother. I hope that our family will always be happy and warm.

And I also hope that I will have enough health to accompany my children throughout their life journey, but I really don't know what to do anymore.

I want to go back to my hometown, I want to rest, but I don’t know how to tell my children. Will they understand? Will they think I am a selfish mother and grandmother? How can I tell them that I want to go back to my hometown and that I don’t want to help them anymore without making them sad?

The confession of a mother in her 70s after being posted on Sohu page received a lot of attention from the Chinese online community.

Tieu Lam

Source: https://giadinh.suckhoedoisong.vn/con-dau-bao-co-tin-vui-me-chong-u70-lai-lang-le-guong-cuoi-co-vai-dieu-kho-noi-thanh-loi-172250228230508132.htm