Someone Others Are Grateful For

One day, my daughter and son-in-law came to visit and handed my husband and me a beautifully wrapped box, telling us to open it. Slightly puzzled, we asked, “It’s not a special occasion—what’s this for?” as we carefully unwrapped it. Inside was an ultrasound photo of a tiny fetus, no bigger than a bean, along with a card that read, "Congratulations! You’re going to be grandparents!" I was so overwhelmed with joy that tears filled my eyes.

In the days that followed, my husband and I found ourselves reminiscing—about when I was pregnant with our daughter, when she was born, and all the precious memories in between. As we talked, someone came to mind whom I must never forget—someone to whom I owe deep gratitude. It was my sister-in-law, the wife of my husband’s third eldest brother, who lovingly cared for me during my postpartum recovery.

These days, many new mothers recover at postpartum care centers, but in those days, it was more common to rely on one’s own mother for help. At the time, however, my mother had collapsed due to illness and had only recently been discharged from the hospital, so I could not ask for her support. Understanding our situation, my sister-in-law and her husband warmly invited the three of us to stay in their home, and we ended up living together for nearly three weeks.

My sister-in-law cared for me with unwavering kindness and a constant smile. Every day, she prepared large pots of nourishing seaweed soup for my recovery. She bathed the baby and even washed the cloth diapers by hand. Thanks to her devoted care and thoughtful attention to everything a new mother needs, I was able to regain my strength and recover well.

Around that time, through her, I came to accept the truth and received the blessing of becoming a child of God. Four years later, when I gave birth to my second child, she once again cared for me and my baby with the same loving devotion. Through her, I experienced the unconditional love that a mother pours out for her child.

I often find myself wondering—could I have done the same? Such devotion is possible only through true sacrifice and love. And she showed it not just once, but twice.

Her love leads me to reflect on the love and sacrifice of our Heavenly Father and Mother. To seek and save Their lost children, Father came to this earth even a second time, pouring out the same steadfast love and devotion to give life to our souls. I offer my deepest gratitude for His boundless sacrifice and love. And I give heartfelt thanks for Mother’s noble love as well—embracing us tenderly in Her warm arms and gently guiding us safely all the way to the Kingdom of Heaven.

Now that the years have passed and I have reached middle age, I feel a growing desire to become someone who can truly sacrifice and serve others. I hope to live in such a way that I may be someone others are grateful for—someone remembered with warmth. With this resolve in my heart, I strive to live each day with purpose.