The daughter-in-law just came home late at night, the father-in-law in his 80s knocked on the door and said something unbelievable.

That night, the daughter-in-law could not sleep.

* The article was shared by a parent on Baidu (China). The content of the article conveys a message about the importance of care and connection between parents and children.

It was past midnight when I got home. Outside the street lights were still on, but inside the small house, everything was quiet.

I tiptoed to open the door and walked softly through the living room so as not to disturb my father-in-law and sleeping son.

Today is like any other day, I'm caught up in work, meetings after meetings, numbers, and endless reports.

My husband is the same, we are always busy, to the point that we often don't even have a proper family meal.

My father-in-law, though over 70 years old, is still healthy and clear-minded. Seeing us struggling, he took the initiative to help look after the children so that my husband and I could go to work with peace of mind. Thinking back and forth, I had no other choice.

At least I felt safer leaving my son with him than leaving him at school late at night. And so, day by day, my son grew up with his grandfather more than his parents.

My husband and I are so busy that we often neglect our children.

Just as I put my bag down on the table, I suddenly heard a knock on the door. The knock was light but firm. I opened the door and saw my father-in-law standing there, his eyes somewhat hesitant. I was a bit surprised because it was so late, I wondered what was going on that kept him awake.

- Are you busy? I want to talk to you for a moment.

I nodded and invited him in. He looked at me and slowly said:

- Today, Do Do said something to his dad that kept him awake. He said: "Grandpa, I feel so sorry for myself, why don't my parents ever come to pick me up from school?"

I was stunned. I never thought my child would feel that way. I always thought that as long as I earned enough money, provided a comfortable life for my child, bought him the things he wanted, that was enough. But I forgot that what my child needed most was not expensive things, but the presence of his parents.

My father-in-law sighed:

- I know you two are busy, but my child, the love between parents and children is not like the love between grandparents and grandchildren. Grandparents can love and care for you, but they cannot replace your parents. Every child needs their parents to be there, not just for material things.

I bowed my head, guilt welling up in my heart. My child was only six years old, but he already knew sadness and hurt because his parents were always absent.

I remember the times my child looked up at me and asked, "Are you coming home early to pick me up today?"

And I always replied: "Mom is busy, be good!". I unintentionally ignored the sad eyes, the times my child shyly looked at his friends being picked up by their parents and sighed.

I let my children grow up with empty spaces in their hearts.

That night, I couldn't sleep. I thought back to my childhood, when my mother was busy making a living but still tried to take me to school and read me bedtime stories.

I miss the hugs, the simple questions that made me feel warm. Yet here I am, walking the opposite path, letting my son experience the loneliness I once feared.

My father-in-law's words made me realize many things.

The next morning, I decided to go to work a little late. I wanted to take my son to school myself. When he saw me standing in front of the door, my son's eyes widened in surprise:

- Mom, are you taking me to school?

I nodded, and he hugged me, happy as if he had just received the greatest gift in the world. Just one hug and I could clearly feel how long he had been waiting for this.

I realized that there are things that money cannot buy. A child can grow up in luxury, but without the love of parents, their hearts will still be broken. My husband and I can earn more money, but the time spent with our children cannot be returned.

From that day on, I tried to organize my work more reasonably. My husband and I took turns picking up and dropping off our child, spent time having dinner with him, telling him stories and listening to his little things every day.

I see my child smile more, his eyes light up every time he tells a story at school. And I know I will not let him feel sad anymore.

My father-in-law saw that change, he just smiled gently and said: "I'm old, but I still understand one thing: For children, no one can replace their parents. Grandparents can love them, but parents are their whole world ."

I held her hand tightly, feeling the small but loving warmth. No matter how busy life gets, I will never let her feel alone again.

Winter

Source: https://giadinh.suckhoedoisong.vn/con-dau-vua-ve-nha-vao-dem-muon-bo-chong-u80-lien-go-cua-phong-va-noi-mot-dieu-kho-tin-172250306083749726.htm