Parents, full of love

The author shares a poignant reflection on the evolving nature of happiness and the profound experience of caring for aging parents. She begins by recalling her father's strength before his stroke and the subsequent physical decline that left him frail and dependent. His daily struggle to walk with a cane, supported by his grandchildren, serves as a stark reminder of life's fragility.

Her mother-in-law, a survivor of war with lingering physical and emotional scars, brings a different kind of resilience to the household. Despite her own hardships and age, she treats the author like her own daughter, offering encouragement and actively participating in household chores to ease the author's burden. This dynamic is particularly meaningful as the author's own mother is no longer present.

Moved by the author's concern for her father, her mother-in-law suggested he move in with them. She views him as a brother, finding companionship in their shared conversations about past wartime experiences and the hardships of the subsidy period. This arrangement creates a unique family dynamic, with the author humorously referring to her household as having four "babies" who all cooperate and love each other.

The author expresses immense gratitude for the opportunity to be close to her parents in their old age, a chance not afforded to everyone. She finds joy in their simple greetings, their shared moments over tea, and their quiet anticipation of her return from the market. These moments underscore her belief that the elderly, like children, need love, protection, and care. She cherishes the present, wanting to bathe, feed, and converse with them, rather than face the silence of their absence.