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“A Son’s Plea: Following Grandfather’s Will, Denying Uncle and Aunt Their Share”

28 October, 2024

My parents-in-law took great care of my two young children while I worked, allowing me to focus on my job without worry. When my children were a little older, several men proposed marriage, but my mother-in-law advised me:

“You should consider remarrying to have a companion in your old age, and we can take care of your children. If you are financially stable, you can send money to support your children; if not, don’t worry, we will manage, and you can focus on your new family.”

Despite her persuasion, I declined and expressed my desire to remain single, raise my children, and care for my in-laws in their old age. My words touched her deeply, bringing her to tears.

With their support, my children and I enjoyed a peaceful and happy life. When it was time for my children to attend university, my father-in-law, knowing my monthly salary of 7 million VND was insufficient, gave me 5 million VND each month to support their education.

Despite her persuasion, I declined, stating my reluctance to remarry. (Illustrative image)

Without their help, my children wouldn’t have had the same educational opportunities. Now, they have good jobs and stable families, and I am a grandmother. My in-laws are great-grandparents now.

When my daughter-in-law was about to return to work after giving birth, my son and his wife wanted me to take care of their child. My son said that his uncles and aunts should also share the responsibility of caring for his grandparents and that it shouldn’t fall solely on me. I gently explained to my son:

“When you and your siblings were young, your grandparents’ care allowed me to work peacefully and provided us with a stable life. If it weren’t for your grandfather’s monthly contributions to your education, you might be doing manual labor now, earning a meager income. They have given us so much, and now that they need our help, how can I leave them in the care of others?”

Hearing my explanation, my son understood and supported my decision to stay and care for his grandparents. For the past 12 years, I have been by their side, tending to their needs.

When they fell ill, I was the only one caring for them. My siblings-in-law were busy with their lives, and others believed that since I had received so much from my in-laws, it was my duty to care for them.

I was the only one by their side when they fell ill. (Illustrative image)

Before my father-in-law passed away, he left a controversial will, bequeathing three plots of land to me and entrusting me with the care of my mother-in-law in her final years.

My brothers-in-law disagreed with the will and decided to redistribute the land among themselves. My brother-in-law said:

“The land our parents own is valuable, and if we sell it, we could get 4 billion VND. So, we will divide the land into four parts. The house you live in will be yours, and you will be responsible for taking care of our mother because that plot of land is larger. The remaining three parts will be divided among me and your two sisters.”

I replied:

“As a daughter-in-law, I don’t want to keep much land after my husband’s passing. I only wish to divide the land after your mother passes away, and until then, let’s maintain the status quo.”

Seeing my lack of interest in the land, my in-laws didn’t press the issue further. However, my son was upset and insisted on following his grandfather’s will. I shook my head and said:

“The more greedy you are, the lonelier and more disharmonious the family will become. Only what you earn yourself is truly valuable. It’s fairest to divide the inheritance equally among the children. I want to leave blessings for my grandchildren. Remember my words.”

And so, our family has been peaceful since then.