A howling cold wind blows through the window, and the city at night is filled with flickering lights. I was immersed in my own thoughts, heartache and regret for everything that had happened in the past. Come to a familyCoffeePavilion, ordered a cup of heatCoffee, sitting quietly in the corner, reminiscing about the past.
The source of this family controversy is a seemingly trivial question of surnames. As a toConventional wisdomFor the Lord's family, the inheritance of the surname is consideredFamily honorsSymbol. As the head of the family, my parents always emphasized the importance of surnames. However, as a living inModern societyI have never considered a surname as the only measure of affection and love. At the time, I was with my wifeZhang LiWe just got married, and we welcomed the birth of our son. After the birth of a son,Zhang LiThe proposal to give him the surname Zhang is an expression of respect and love for her family. As a husband, I was full of respect and support for my wife's choice and finally agreed with her decision.
However, my parents couldn't let go of this decision. They firmly believe that the inheritance of the family name is the foundation of the family and consider our decision to be disrespectful and disrespectful to the family. Although I have explained many times that it is just a decision of our small family, it has nothing to do with the family, and they have never been able to accept it. The problem gradually spread in our family, wifeZhang Liand my role as a peacemaker, trying to ease the conflict between the two generations.
Son Zhang Hao grew up in such a family environment, and obviously felt the cold attitude of his grandparents towards him. He is very intelligent and lively, but this lack of family affection has had an irreversible impact on his growth. He asked me, "Dad, do I have no grandpa and grandma anymore?" Why don't they recognize me? "His question made my heart twist, and I hugged him tightly and tried my best to comfort him, but I also felt a pang of guilt inside.
However, the problems that plague us don't end there. My parents eventually took me to court in an attempt to take back their grandson's surname. It was a heated controversy, and our family stood in the courtroom like strangers, squabbling over a family name, and the emotions were intense. Eventually,CourtsThe status quo was maintained, and the verdict was that the grandson remained surnamed Zhang. The verdict made me feel another pang of heartache, and I looked at the back of my parents as they left the courtroom, knowing full well that there was an irreparable rift in our family's relationship.
When I think back to these years of family controversy, I still have lingering palpitations. I tried to communicate with my parents, but they kept them avoiding. Gradually, they ceased to be my parents, and even my son Zhang Hao was no longer seen. This once warm family seems to have become strange and indifferent in an instant.
Zhang Hao grew up in this kind of family environment, and his memories of his grandparents only stayed before the lawsuit. He has become taciturn and no longer as cheerful and lively as before. I know very well that this family controversy has hurt him tremendously. In order to make up for his trauma, I tried my best to take him to do all kinds of things he liked, hoping to make him forget that unpleasant memory. However, I also understand that there are some pains that cannot be forgotten.
Now, many years later, I am over half a hundred years old, and I have a new understanding and perspective on many things. I understand that the surname is not the only measure of affection, but I also know that it isConventional wisdomHow much courage and determination it takes to make such a decision in a deeply rooted family. I hope that in the remaining days, we will be able to let go of the contradictions and resentments of the past and re-establish a family relationship that is thicker than water.
I once reflected on whether I had made the right decision, and if I had insisted that my son take my surname Lee, maybe everything would have been different. However, there are no ifs in life, only results and consequences. I accepted the reality and tried to make up for the irreparable regrets.
Sit in silenceCoffeeIn the museum, I let go of the pain of the past. I am deeply sorry and guilty for what happened in the past, but I also understand that what really matters is the affection and love of our family.
I looked up out the window and saw the starry night sky. Every choice in life brings different results, and this choice changes the fate of our family. Life is like a starry sky, we look for beauty in it, and we experience ups and downs, but in the end, the bond of family will make us find belonging.
I hope from the bottom of my heart that in the days to come, we can let go of our obsessions and resentments and rebuild the love and family affection that is thicker than water. Regardless of the last name, we are a family, walking through the world hand in hand, supporting each other and facing the ups and downs and challenges of life together.
No matter how many ups and downs we have been through, the love and companionship between family members is the most precious and important. Whether it is Li Qiang,Zhang Li, or Zhang Hao, we are all a family, with the same blood flowing in our hearts. In this vast and ever-changing world, the love of family is our most solid harbor and belonging.
As night fell, I decided to leaveCoffeePavilion, back home. Tomorrow will be my son Zhang Hao's birthday, and I would like to prepare a special gift for him to make this day the beginning of our re-acceptance and reunion. I hope that he will feel the love and care of his grandparents again, and that he will understand that he is the most precious member of our family, regardless of his surname.
I walked to the door with hope and anticipation. Although I have had many pains and regrets, I am willing to persevere, for the sake of family harmony and happiness, and use love to fill the rifts of those obsessions and resentments.
A family should support each other and grow together. No matter how many ups and downs we have experienced, family affection and love will always be our deepest and most precious treasure. I hope we can understand this, reconcile and start anew, and make the family relationship stronger and warmer.