Recently, my right wrist hurt. I thought it would be healed soon that I had no regard for it. But the pain worsened as days went by. I was just enduring pain, wearing a wrist brace and doing hot towel massages. My two daughters, who are junior high school students, started helping out with housework probably because they felt bad to see my pain.
After eating, they did the dishes and alternately cleaned the house. Even my youngest son, an elementary school student said, “Mom, let me wash your hair. You should avoid using your sore hands.”
As for cleaning the bathroom that got dirty, I couldn’t even conceive the idea of starting it. I said to myself, “I need to clean here . . . but how should I do it?” Then, my first daughter volunteered to clean it and asked me about how to clean.
“Sprinkle detergent on the sink and toilet bowl first and scrub them with a pad. Clean the toilet with a long brush and pour water on it. Scrub the slippers with a small brush.”
“Yes, Mom.”
After my daughter finished cleaning, I opened the door and the bathroom was really clean. It was even glittering. I was proud of her as she grew up enough to clean the bathroom.
That evening, I was able to do the dishes, so I told my daughters to rest. When I finished washing the dishes, my little girl said.
“Mom, thank you for washing the dishes. Actually, I felt reluctant today. While doing it for a few days, I’ve come to think that you must’ve been tired. From now on, I’ll help you more.”
It was a great comfort that she understood me. My children looked nicer and more adorable. I thought that doing one’s filial duty is not something difficult or special, but it’s to please one’s parents. Why didn’t I know such a simple thing till then? Now that I know, I resolve to do well to my parents. Although my wrist hurts, I am happy for my children’s filial piety and a little enlightenment.