My name is Li Mei, I am 35 years old, I have been married for ten years, my husband is Zhang Qiang, and we have a 7-year-old daughter, Xiaofang. My mother-in-law's name is Zhao Ping, and she is 71 years old this year. Our family of four lives in a small detached cottage in the suburbs. My mother-in-law has a more traditional and conservative personality and is more strict with us as a couple.
Mom, what kind of gifts do you want for your birthday?I asked tentatively.
Alas, you can prepare me some daily necessities, I am an old woman, and I don't need any expensive gifts. The mother-in-law waved her hand and said.
I knew my mother-in-law's character, so I couldn't ask her directly how much gift money she wanted, so I had to ask around the corner: "How much money should I prepare?"”
The mother-in-law frowned: "Mei'er, do you have to pay attention to these things for your birthday?"You just have to put some effort into preparing gifts, not to mention money. ”
I decided to send some money, but I had to get the amount right. If the amount is too small, my mother-in-law will call me stingy;If it's too much, I'm afraid she'll say I'm in a hurry. I struggled for a while and decided to give 3,000 yuan. That's neither too much nor too little for our family.
I pulled out a red envelope, counted 3,000 yuan from the drawer, and carefully packed it into it. I looked at the word "Fu" on the red envelope and couldn't help but smile, hoping to bring good luck to my mother-in-law.
That night, I showed my husband the gift I had prepared: "You said it's okay to prepare 3,000 yuan for your mother-in-law?"”
My husband nodded: "I think this amount is very appropriate, not too much, and enough to express our hearts." ”
I hesitated for a moment and said, "However, our cousin Xiaofang gave her mother-in-law a birthday gift, and I heard that she prepared 5,000 yuan." Our 3,000 yuan, is it a little less?”
My husband thought about it and said, "Well, each family situation is different, so it's not easy to compare directly." We are also financially constrained, and 3,000 should be enough. Besides, the amount of money is not the most important thing, the key is the mind. ”
I was comforted by my husband's words, and I didn't bother with the amount of the gift money anymore. Thinking of my mother-in-law's nurturing kindness to us over the years, I have some tears in my eyes. As a daughter-in-law, I should really put more thought into choosing a meaningful gift for my mother-in-law.
So I decided to buy another beautiful gold-encrusted necklace for my mother-in-law. This can be reciprocated as a sincere gesture of my heart. Thinking of this, a happy smile appeared on the corner of my mouth.
My mother-in-law's birthday party was held in a private room in a high-end hotel. In addition to our family, there are also several old comrades-in-arms of my mother-in-law. During the dinner, my husband and I exchanged a tacit look and prepared to take out the gifts.
At this time, cousin Xiaofang suddenly stood up, walked to her mother-in-law mysteriously, and took out a big red envelope as if offering a treasure: "Mother-in-law, this is our little care, you can accept it!."”
The mother-in-law took the red envelope with a smile and praised Xiaofang for her thoughtfulness. Other guests also stood up to send birthday wishes and gift money. In the end, it was the turn of our husband and wife, and my husband handed over the necklace first, and there was another round of applause. Then I presented the red envelope with both hands: "Mom, I wish you a happy birthday, this is a little bit of our heart, please smile!".”
The mother-in-law opened the red envelope and saw the 3,000 yuan inside, and her face suddenly changed. She lowered her face and looked at me seriously, "That's it?".My cousin took 5,000, and you dare to give only 3,000?”
I was stunned by my mother-in-law's sudden angry reprimand, and my face was hot. The relatives and friends present were also stunned, and the atmosphere instantly became extremely embarrassing.
I don't care so much, I can't be less than Xiaofang anyway!Come on, take the red envelope back, change it to 5,000 yuan and come back!Without saying a word, my mother-in-law stuffed the red envelope back into my hand.
My mind was a mess and my eyes were red. How could my mother-in-law say this about me in front of so many people?I feel very humiliated and aggrieved.
As I walked to the door of the hotel, I suddenly heard someone calling my name. When I looked back, it was my mother-in-law who came out of breath.
Mer, don't go, listen to me!The mother-in-law said breathlessly.
I stopped, tears rolled in my eyes, and I turned around with red eyes: "Mom, I gave too little, you could have returned it on the spot, why do you want to chase it out?"”
My mother-in-law came over and grabbed my hand and said bitterly, "Silly boy, what do you want?"I did say something serious just now, but it was also a quick mouth, how could I really look down on you and Qiang'er?”
I sniffed, a little confused, "Then why do you have to change it to 5,000 yuan?"”
After listening to this, it finally dawned on me. It turned out that this was a kind gesture from my mother-in-law, and she wanted to remind me not to let my cousin steal the limelight. I was moved, but also ashamed: "I'm sorry Mom, it's me who thinks too simply." You've repeatedly reminded me to learn to be tactful, but I didn't take it to heart. I will definitely learn Xi in the future and stop worrying you. ”
The mother-in-law smiled and touched the head of the **: "Good boy, how can my mother really blame you?"Come, let's go back and continue eating, today is Mom's happiest day!”
I wiped away my tears, nodded, and helped my mother-in-law back to the banquet. The guests were relieved to see that the two of us were reconciled, and they laughed again and asked my mother-in-law to cut the birthday cake. The smiling appearance of my mother-in-law is the warmest and kindest picture I have ever seen.
After the banquet, I stayed to help my mother-in-law clean up. The mother-in-law sighed while tidying up: "Mom is really happy to be able to gather with everyone today." There will definitely be opportunities in the future, and we must keep in touch often!”
I hurriedly echoed, "Yes, Mom, I'm also very happy to spend time with you today." We will come to see you often!”
My mother-in-law smiled and nodded, and looked at me again: "What happened just now, are you still angry with me?"”
I quickly said, "No, no, I fully understand your intentions." When I encounter this situation in the future, I will definitely learn not to be surprised. ”
Actually, Mom doesn't care how much money you give!My mother-in-law touched my head and sighed, "You and Qiang'er's family of three are safe and healthy together, and your mother is the happiest." ”
I was deeply touched by my mother-in-law's words, and I couldn't help but redden: "I understand, Mom!."You have always been so good to us, and we will always be filial to you. Money is not a measure of affection, we will treat you with sincerity. ”
Good boy, come, mom hug you. My mother-in-law also had tears in her eyes and embraced me with open arms.
Mom, thank you for fulfilling the happiness of our family. I also made no secret of my sadness and emotion in my mother-in-law's arms, "I will always be a good daughter-in-law who is caring and filial, and will never cause you trouble." ”
Okay, good, our family wants to be together forever and live happily!"My mother-in-law's warm palm gently patted my back.
Mom, I remember when I was a child living in the countryside, you always got up early and worked hard at night, taking care of our three sisters and brothers. Speaking of the past, I couldn't help but sigh with emotion, "You have worked hard for so many years, and I have never been filial to you." ”
My mother-in-law looked at me lovingly and said, "As a mother, it is the greatest relief to see your child grow up healthy and happy." The three of you have been very sensible and obedient since childhood, and your mother doesn't feel bitter at all. ”
I still remember when I was in high school, my family was suddenly poor, and you saved money just so that I could continue my studies. You said that the most important thing is to change your destiny by reading. I was young and immature, and I didn't understand your hard work. "When I think about this past, I can't help but redden.
My mother-in-law patted my hand gently and said lovingly, "Everyone is a family, so you don't need to be so polite." Mom just hopes that you can all live peacefully and happily. ”
Thank you for your continued nurturing kindness. "I will always remember your instructions and take good care of my family so that you can rest easy." ”
This mother-in-law's birthday gave me a deeper understanding of the truth of being a human being.
The most precious thing for people is not money and wealth, but feelings and family affection. I should not measure my mother-in-law's love for me by the amount of gift money, but to repay her nurturing kindness with sincerity.
In fact, my mother-in-law has always regarded us as her closest flesh and blood. No matter what difficulties we encounter in the future, we will unite as one to tide over them together. Money is only something outside the body, and the harmony of relatives is the cornerstone of home.