💌 558. The Mother-In-Law's Love That Seriously Hurt My Mother Who Had Prepared Her 60th Birthday Party

As my mother-in-law continued to hurl unspeakable insults that could be heard even at the beauty parlor, my own mother, who was outside doing the laundry, could no longer stand by and came into the kitchen. She quietly said, "Mrs. Kim, this is a business place, so let us go into the room and talk." Then my mother-in-law immediately shouted, "Who do you think you are to say that!" and pushed my mother away with both hands without mercy!

My mother fell backward defenselessly. This reckless action caused a loud crash with even the lid of the cauldron on Agungi (firebox) flew off. My mother hit the corner of the Buttumak (cooktop counter), bent her back and fell to the cement floor, even hurting her head. It all happened in an instant. I was startled and ran to my mother but it was too late.

When I saw my mother groaning in pain on the floor, I felt like the very foundation of my life had fallen out of my world. Everyone, including the customers at the beauty parlor, was startled by the loud noise and clamor and gathered around. Then my mother-in-law said, "This is disgusting, you all. Really!" and she was gone in a flash. My mother, who had severe osteoporosis due to years of traveling long distances for peddling and inadequate meals, collapsed, could not move at all and was in pain.

“Mother! What should we do? You have to go to the hospital, right away.” I tried to help her up but she could not control her body at all. “Jesus, please protect my mother. Please touch her with Your powerful hands and heal her wounds.” As I prayed earnestly, only teardrops dripped from my eyes.

I tried to carry my mother on my back and take her to the hospital but as I became so shocked by her accident, my legs were shaking and trembling and I could not move my feet. (There was no 911 at that time.) In the end, several people helped my mother into her room. Even though my mother-in-law spoke all harsh words toward me, it was okay for me as I offered up with Semchigo as if I were loved. But as of my mother, did she not go through all that trouble at my house and laboured for several days for my mother-in-law's birthday banquet? Seeing my mother lying in pain, tears flowed endlessly.

My mother-in-law said, “On my 60th birthday, let us just get together as a family and have a simple meal.” However, because I wanted to treat her well with love, I organized the party without any help from my siblings-in-laws. My siblings-in-laws and their spouses came with my mother-in-law on the day of the party, ate the food prepared and then left. No one from my in-laws helped me even for a little bit or cleaned up.

However, I was happy just with the fact that I could bring my in-laws joy, to whom I wanted to give everything. Yet, only one younger brother-in-law secretly put a 5,000 Won bill (*about $5) in my hand without anyone knowing. It was the first time I received money from my in-laws, so it was like a thousand gold coins to me.

Even though it was a small amount, I was deeply grateful and almost brought to tears by the showing of his appreciation. I still pray for him without forgetting. My mother, saying “Let us give the best care for your mother-in-law,” even called her sisters and after several days of hard work, prepared the food with great care to set up a special feast for my mother-in-law's 60th birthday celebration.

But the very next day, instead of thanking my mother, she pushed my mother and caused her serious injuries… My heart ached so much but practicing Semchigo as if I had been loved, I told my mother in bed, “Mother! I am sorry. You worked so hard to prepare for my mother-in-law’s 60th birthday party, but instead of saying thank you, she hurt you, so you must be upset.

However, I think the devil of division was jealous of the relationship between us, you, my mother-in-law, and me, and did this to divide us. So, mother! Let us offer it up graciously with Semchigo as if we were loved by her.” My mother said, “Okay, I understand. I will be okay, right? Dear, you are busy, so leave me now and go and do your work.”

After praying and treating my mother, I saw her lying down, and my heart ached but I offered it up again with Semchigo as if I had received great love from my mother-in-law. I was incredibly busy doing the customers’ hair and taking care of my mother’s illness but I did my best to complete the tasks assigned to me while offering up prayers of life for my mother’s healing.

My personal reflection note with Mama Julia🌹💗 

Link 👇🏻

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