In March of last year, I opened a small Child Development Center.
After many hardships, after a couple of months had passed,
I met an old man who lived next door.
He used to say harsh words to people around him after drinking.
It turned out that he was a famous “wulking grandfather” in the neighborhood.
He often quarreled with his neighbors, so he tried not to run into people around him as much as possible.
I too felt uncomfortable at first, but I was also busy with center work, so I spent the year avoiding my grandfather.
Then, as the year 2026 approached, Grandpa’s voice grew louder and louder.
Even those who use the center began to experience inconvenience.
“How can I get along with Grandpa?”
As I was contemplating, the “language of a mother’s love that inspires peace,” suddenly came to mind.
“Let’s practice it.”
I made up my mind to do so, but I was also afraid.
“What if I say hello and then get insulted?”
With a nervous heart, I opened the store door and looked at my grandfather outside.
He politely greeted me with a smile.
“Hello.”
Then something unexpected happened.
He stopped what he was saying and looked at me.
“Yes, hello.”
Since that day, I consistently greeted Grandpa both on the way to work and on the way home from work.
Then, little by little, Grandpa began to change.
If someone is parking in front of the center, warn them instead.
If anyone tried to enter the center, they would be the first to block it.
When I run into someone at a convenience store, I ask, “Can I buy you something delicious?” There are times when he talks to you with a smile on his face.
I was the first to say hello, but before I knew it, a smile grew on Grandpa’s face.
Even his harsh tone became warm and friendly.
Seeing that scene, I was reminded of the power of the “language of a mother’s love that brings peace.”
“Hello.”
“Thank you.”
“Are you okay?”
These words were so ordinary that I had forgotten their power.
A sincere word can open people’s hearts and change relationships.
I also never thought that a small greeting would make such a big difference.
Through this experience, moving people’s hearts is not grandiose words,
I realized that it can be a warm word given by putting the other person first.