(Minghui.org) Our neighbors call me the “best daughter-in-law in the village.” Whenever someone asks why I'm so helpful and kind, I tell them it's because I practice Falun Dafa. If I did not practice, I would still be a sickly, depressed person and could hardly do anything.
I am now 52 and I live in the countryside in Shandong Province. When I was 37-years-old, I was diagnosed with kidney disease in both kidneys. I was often hospitalized, and had to take both Western and Chinese medicine. Within 10 years, the medical bills not only depleted all our savings, but also left us deeply in debt. My kidneys kept getting worse.
Unable to work the farm or do household chores, I could only lay in bed and weep. My husband had to take care of the family. He took me to see many doctors, while my elderly mother-in-law had to look after our young children. It was miserable for all of us.
Health and Happiness Restored
About 7 years ago, a relative told me about Falun Dafa. I was a little hesitant based on what I had seen in the news, but she assured me that Falun Dafa was different from how the state-run media propaganda portrayed it. She said, “Falun Dafa practitioners improve their minds and bodies through peaceful meditation and by following the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. The practice helps practitioners and benefits society.”
I decided to give it a try. The exercises were not difficult to learn and the results were astounding. Both my kidneys recovered and my body was no longer swollen. The colds and other illnesses that often bothered me were also gone.
When my family saw me get out of bed and begin do household chores, they were thrilled. My husband and two children began practicing. Many of my husband's coworkers learned the real story of Falun Dafa through my story.
Handling Family Issues
In many Chinese families, the conflicts between a daughter-in-law and her mother-in-law is a common problem. As a practitioner, I know how I should act and I am able to be considerate and compassionate.
Because my husband is the youngest child, his mother lives with us. If there is something good to eat, she always saves it for my husband and my children, but not for me. A few times when I wasn't home she made steamed buns. The ones she made for me contained mostly vegetables, with very little meat. Although it hurt, I did not get angry and I tried to let it go. Before I began practicing, I would have complained to my husband.
After I began practicing Falun Dafa, I was able too look at things from her perspective. My mother-in-law was only 41 when she lost her husband. She had a hard life, and had to raise her 7 children alone. I realized that she must have had a difficult life, and it was because of these hardships that she cared so deeply about her own children, and no one else. I also saw her good points – she was hardworking and kind.
Sometimes when my husband notices that she treats me badly, he complains loudly and tells her to treat me better. I always calm him down and stop the argument. I also help her as much as I can.
I've taught my children to respect her, because she is their grandmother. My family lives in harmony and happiness.
Category: Improving Oneself
