Written by Grace Pow
When we heard that Rebecca would soon become a mother-in-law, we were thrilled. To share her happiness, we decided to celebrate together. Yvonne had booked Rebecca’s favourite restaurant for our gathering. Once we took our seats, our lifetime buddy gave us the invitation cards. Yvonne, Kitty and I, started asking her incessantly about the wedding plan.
Rebecca is an anxious mother. Since her two children were born, she has always given them her full attention. Her son’s wedding is a big event. We believe our bosom friend will be the commander-in-chief who holds supreme command of the entire planning.
Out of our expectation, Rebecca said she had not given the young couple any advice. Surprised, we thought she disapproved of the marriage. After listening to her, however, we finally understood why our friend did not take any active role during the process.
When Rebecca learnt that her son was going to get married, she was very excited. Just before she told him about her great plan, she shared with her husband. But his response had triggered her to reflect for a while.
‘You have raised our kids with love since they were little. Now that they have grown up happily, perhaps it’s time to let go. Give our son a chance to organise his own wedding banquet and cope with his life in the future. We don’t have to worry anymore because he has a soulmate who will walk through life with him.
In the past, Rebecca’s schedule was packed with her children’s activities. Her husband’s words had inspired her to mull over the suggestion of letting go. In the end, she agrees with him and reconnects with her long-lost passions again. Apart from meeting her friends, Rebecca also does voluntary work with her husband. She is leading a more fulfilling life.
After finishing the entree, Kitty took out her smart phone and shared the photos of her only granddaughter with us happily. Yvonne then told us her daughter had just recently changed her job. Working 24/7, she can seldom have dinner at home. Yvonne understands that her daughter is very busy. But she still hopes she can enrich her social life so that she will meet a boyfriend, get married and start her family.
Yvonne envies Kitty for having the opportunities to take care of her granddaughter. The latter immediately told us that she is Granny Jolly who takes the kid to theme parks or restaurants only during holidays. Most of the time, she is busy joining interest classes, visiting exhibitions and attending talks because she wants to enhance herself. Rebecca pacified Yvonne not to worry about the next generation because they would have their own plans. She has indeed changed a lot.
Then all of us changed our topic to discuss apparel and accessories for the wedding banquet. We spent such a joyful evening as if we had returned to our girlhood.