Our daughter married two years ago. We decided to pool our resources and give the newlyweds an apartment, along with our in-laws. They were both employed, so they were able to perform a lovely remodeling with their own money. Then our daughter said she was expecting. We were all ecstatic to hear the long-awaited news. However, it was followed by some disappointing news: our son-in-law had lost his job.We assured them we’d help with the initial costs.

We went shopping with the in-laws and bought everything imaginable for our unborn grandchild: a crib, a stroller, clothes, diapers, you name it. We also continued to provide financial assistance to our daughter and son-in-law during her maternity leave, paying for groceries and electricity. A year went by with our son-in-law seemingly not intending to get off the couch, and this began to disturb and alarm us.”Why hasn’t your husband found work yet, daughter?”

A year has passed. “How long can he just sit at home?” we wondered. “Mom, he has a higher education; he can’t just work anywhere,” she replied. We’re looking for a good job for him, but they’re not currently hiring.” “Why not lower your standards and take any job for now?” we persisted. “He has to provide for his family, and he has a small child to support,” he defended, adding, “We’re still looking for the right opportunity.”

Besides, those companies don’t need additional personnel.” “Perhaps he should lower his expectations and look for other work,” we said. He would have been employed if he was such a valuable employee.””Why are you saying such things, Mama?” “Why waste time on these interviews if he’s going to leave soon?” she retorted. Our daughter grew estranged from me after this chat.

Our entire family recently met at our home to celebrate our grandchild’s six-month birthday. We chose to arrange the table ourselves because we knew the young couple couldn’t do it on their own. Our son-in-law unexpectedly informed that the grandparents were too frugal to buy a gift for their grandchild.