heartwarming stories: Reluctant to Let Go
I once met a couple who had been married for twenty years. In the first two decades, he was hot-tempered, quick to anger but kind-hearted and skillful. He ran a repair shop and, because of his expertise, his business flourished. At home, he was just as handy, making perfect noodles and cooking delicious dishes.
However, he ended up with her—clumsy and coarse, she couldn’t sew, would doze off whenever she sat down, and was terrible at housework. But she had one redeeming quality: a great temperament. No matter how he raged, she would just smile serenely at him, which often left him both amused and exasperated.
For twenty years, he lost his temper over burnt eggs, broken teapots, the chaotic house, and their children’s poor grades. He often went out drinking and would come home drunk, yelling and smashing things. She never held it against him, silently cleaning up, washing his face, soaking his feet, and tucking him into bed. She took pride in him and always praised him to others, saying, “A talented man is bound to have a temper.
Besides, he has a good heart and skilled hands. He can be gentle too when he’s not angry. You don’t know how wonderful he is.” In her eyes, he was a treasure, and despite their quarrels, they lived a flavorful life.
No one anticipated the car accident. It happened when she went out in the rain to bring him an umbrella. A car lost control and struck her down—she never walked again.
She was confined to a wheelchair, and their temperaments reversed. Now she would lose her temper over the ribs he made that she didn’t like, eggs that were too soft, bathwater that was too hot or cold, or even when he laughed with a neighbor. She threw fits, overturning tables and smashing thermoses.
She became critical of everything, but he became gentle and accommodating, humbling himself before her. In the summer, since they had no air conditioning, he would freeze water bottles and place them around her to keep her cool. In the winter, he would warm her feet in his lap.
For another twenty years, he pampered and doted on her. His repair shop still operated, with modest earnings, but he was content. When the weather was nice, he would push her to the shop, where he would fix cars, hands greasy, but smiling. She managed the money with meticulous care, laughing heartily. During their free time, he would ride the specially modified bike, taking her out to enjoy the scenery.
Moved, I couldn’t help but ask him, “After all these years, enduring such hardship, why do you still do it? Do you still think she’s clumsy?” He smiled and said, “She’s always been proud of me; I can’t let her down. Yes, she’s clumsy. I used to argue with her about it. But from the moment she was hospitalized, I realized that without her, life would be meaningless. Her clumsiness, laziness, and foolishness don’t matter. As long as she’s with me and I can see her every day, it’s enough.”
I was at a loss for words, only able to marvel at his sincerity. His simple words were filled with love, though he never mentioned the word itself. True love, it seems, is simply not wanting to let go. He said it perfectly.
Thank you for reading! ” Sitestorys “
