Unexpectedly, after only a few months of talking with the maid, my father-in-law decided to sell the family's memorial house, something he had never thought of before.
When my mother-in-law passed away, my father-in-law chose to live alone in the family's old house, which held so many memories with my mother.
We used to advise him to find a companion to relieve his loneliness, but he always refused.
It was only when he suffered a minor stroke and had difficulty walking that we convinced him to come home so we could take care of him. I promised him that when he was well again, he could return to his old home.
The house is busy, my husband and I work all day, so I asked relatives in the countryside to help me find a maid over 40 years old to take care of my father.
Her job was also light: cleaning, cooking for him, and having someone to talk to. Every day, she would often sit and chat with him in the room, sometimes on the balcony...
I thought to myself, at least he has someone to talk to so he won't be so sad. I also feel relieved when my father-in-law gradually gets healthier and happier.
But then, one day, he suddenly suggested selling the old house to move back to his hometown, something he had never thought of before. My wife and I objected, because we had no relatives in our hometown and life was not comfortable. But he remained silent, not explaining the reason, which my wife found confusing.
Everything became clear when I came home early from work and accidentally overheard a conversation between my father-in-law and the maid.
- "I think it's boring for you to live here like this and it's a nuisance to your children. The house is big and deserted, with only you by yourself. Why don't you sell that old house and go back to the countryside to live with me, where you'll have someone to take care of you and you'll be less lonely."
- "But if I sell the house, how will I live? Back in the countryside, I don't have any land or relatives." - My father-in-law said worriedly.
- "Oh, don't worry about that! Just go home, my son and I will take care of it. I have a large piece of land, you can build a house there and live there, I promise to take care of you for the rest of your life. Just decide to go, don't waste your old age here anymore. I'm old too, I can't stay here to help you, to be your companion and take care of you forever. One day or two, I have to go back to my hometown."
Hearing this, my heart sank. How could a woman who had only been working for a few months be so close to him that she wanted to go back to her hometown with him? Why was she so impatient that she wanted him to sell the house and move back to live on her son's land?
I don't want to think badly of others, but it's clear that this is not sincere love. She doesn't care about my father-in-law at all, but only aims at the property he has.
It turned out that the whispers and whispers in his ear had a purpose, not simply stopping at the relationship between the maid and the homeowner anymore.
I didn’t make a fuss at the time, but chose to calmly observe. After discussing with my husband, we decided to fire the maid immediately. When I told her the news, she seemed surprised but didn’t react too harshly, which made me even more certain of my guess.
"Ms. T., we thank you for taking care of Dad during this time, but my family has decided to find someone more suitable. You can just receive your full salary this month, don't worry about anything. We will also send you an additional amount as compensation for letting you quit suddenly like this."
Ms. T. seemed surprised when my family fired her, "Hey, what's wrong? Did I do something wrong? You're still healthy and happy? Why did you suddenly fire me?"
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Although I was very angry at Ms. T.'s instigation of my father, I still didn't want to embarrass either side, so I tried to restrain myself and said, "It's nothing, my family just wants to change. Please arrange it!"
After Ms. T. packed her things and left, although my father-in-law was a little angry, I knew I was doing the right thing. We always wanted him to find someone who was sincere, but we would never let him be taken advantage of by opportunists.
However, after she quit her job, I discovered that she was still in contact with my father-in-law. One evening, I happened to see him secretly listening to the phone, his tone lowered:
- "Yes, are you having difficulties? I still have a few million in pension, if you need it, I can help you with medical expenses. I will keep the money you borrowed before for myself, no need to pay it back yet..."
Just then, my husband and I walked into the room. He was a little startled but still held the phone tightly. I said softly but firmly:
"Dad, the maid still calls you? Do you know that she doesn't really care about you? All she wants is your property. Don't let her take advantage of you!" - for the first time after more than ten years of being a daughter-in-law, I had to raise my voice and yell at my father-in-law.
My father-in-law was silent. After a while, he sighed, put the phone down and said nothing more. I knew he was sad, maybe he had some feelings for her, but I couldn't let that continue.
After this incident, my husband and I realized that we had been too busy and had unintentionally left our father-in-law alone. Perhaps that was why he easily sought comfort from the maid. We decided to spend more time with him, eat with him, talk with him and take him out for a walk. In the evenings, instead of leaving him alone, the whole family gathered around and listened to him tell stories of the past. Seeing him smile more and his eyes no longer sad, I knew I had done the right thing.
The elderly not only need medicine or enough food, but more importantly, they need care and sharing. I just hope that, although we cannot replace my mother, at least we can help him feel less lonely for the rest of his life.
SaSa
Source: https://giadinh.suckhoedoisong.vn/nhieu-lan-bat-gap-co-giup-viec-u40-len-lut-thi-tham-ben-tai-bo-chong-toi-quyet-duoi-viec-gap-172250228225428492.htm
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