An elderly mother had three children: two capable and filial daughters, and a rather ordinary son. The two daughters often gave their mother money so she could buy good food and take care of herself. However, The mother especially loved her young grandson, so she often gave the money from her daughters to her son, asking him to buy food for the child.
A neighbor disapproved and told the eldest daughter about it. The eldest daughter replied that she gave money to her mother simply to make her happy. She did not care how it was spent. If her mother used it for her son and grandson and felt satisfied and dignified in doing so, then it was worth it.
When the mother heard this, she was very happy. She felt that seeing her grandson eat well was even more satisfying than eating herself.
A month later, the second daughter returned and became very angry after learning what had happened. She began to stay at home every day, repeatedly persuading and even “supervising” her mother to spend the money on herself, insisting on watching her eat. Under such pressure, the mother became emotionally exhausted and eventually passed away from depression.
When a person can live according to their own wishes, they are often the happiest. Among all things in life, inner desires and feelings are often the most important.