A woman finally got a good job when her son left for college and paid for everything he needed since then. Seven years passed, and they only talked through a screen, but one day, he returned and couldn’t believe what had happened.
“Chris, don’t worry about anything. I’m paying for as much as I can. Whatever you need, call me,” Olive told her son at the train station. He was on his way to New York for college, and she had finally landed a well-paying job.
However, for most of his life until then, she couldn’t afford much. His presents were always second-hand, as she raised him alone and studied at night. He never lacked food or shelter, but Olive always felt guilty for not being able to give him the things his friends had.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
She finally got a decent salary and was ready to give him anything he wanted.
“Thank you, Mom,” Chris said, hugged her, and got on the train.
He knocked on the door. No response. He looked through the window and couldn’t believe it. There was nothing inside.
***
“Mrs. Franklin, you should come to visit! I’m so huge now!” Chris’ fiancée, Rosalie, told her through the computer screen.
Chris had met her during his junior year, and they were both about to graduate. However, Rosalie found out she was pregnant, and they got engaged. Sadly, Olive had yet to meet her in person because they were both studying so hard, and Rosalie couldn’t travel much in her condition.
Meanwhile, Olive couldn’t visit either because she was working extra hard. Over the years, she took on more and more hours at work despite her excellent salary because she was paying for Chris’ college, his housing, his expenses, and her own. However, she lived as frugally as possible.
“Soon, Rosalie! I hope to meet you soon. When I get a free moment,” Olive nodded, and finally, Chris appeared on the screen. He told Rosalie he needed to talk to his mother, and she left the room.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
“Mom, I wanted to ask you something,” Chris started, scratching the back of his head. “Since Rosalie and I are going to graduate soon and have a baby, I was wondering if you could help me with a house. We looked at one already. It’s in New Jersey because there’s no way we could live in the city, but it’s beautiful. It reminds me of home.”
Olive stared at her son for a while and thought hard. “Well, I… don’t know,” she muttered, thinking about her savings and hard work. She was finally planning for retirement.
“Please,” Chris begged and talked about the house cost and how much they would need for a down payment. He also said that Rosalie didn’t have anything because she had no family to help out.
“Ok, Chris, ok. I think we can work something out,” Olive finally said. She would have to deplete her entire savings and, maybe, live even more frugally. But it was possible.
“Thank you! Thank you, Mom! I don’t know what I would do without you!” Chris said, almost crying on the video call, and Olive smiled, knowing it was all worth it.
***
“I wish you guys could come this Christmas,” Olive commented in front of her computer, as she did many times over the years. Her son had left her house seven years ago and had not returned to his Maryland hometown. All they did was video chat. She was missing her granddaughter’s life and hated it. But everyone was busy.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
Olive worked now more than ever because she still helped her son often and had depleted her savings a second time when he wanted to start a business. She never asked him for anything in return but wished they would at least visit, as she couldn’t.
“We can’t, Mom. Not this year,” Chris said, shaking his head. “But thank you for the gifts you already sent Mallory. She loves them. You’re an amazing grandma.”
“Put her on the screen,” Olive requested gently and watched her granddaughter longing to hold her in her arms.
***
Olive didn’t know that Chris was finally planning to visit her. He couldn’t buy plane tickets for Rosalie and Mallory to come with him, but he was finally happy to see his mother.
However, his taxi stopped in front of his house, and Chris frowned. It was 9 p.m., and the lights were completely out. Chris told his cad driver to wait for a second and got out. The porch furniture was gone. The plants her mother loved were also missing. The garden was overgrown, and even the welcome mat was absent.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
He knocked on the door. No response. He looked through the window and couldn’t believe it. There was nothing inside. Did Mom move? Why didn’t she tell me? he wondered, concerned.
“Chris? Is that you?” a female voice asked.
He turned around and saw Mrs. Torres, an old woman who had lived next door to them all his life. “Mrs. Torres. Hi, there!”
“What are you doing here, kid?” she asked.
“I’m here to see Mom. Do you know where she is?” he asked, frowning.
“Oh, dear. Your mother moved away about two years ago. She sold that house, but the new owners moved just a few weeks ago. I don’t know who’ll be moving in now,” Mrs. Torres said, her forehead wrinkling as she rambled on.
“She never told me,” Chris muttered. “Do you know where she is?”
“Sure, I have her address written. Come with me,” Mrs. Torres went to her house and gave him a piece of paper.
Chris read the address and frowned. The address pointed to a side of town that wasn’t too nice. “Do you know why she moved there?” he asked the older woman.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
“No, honey. But I know she has a roommate now,” Mrs. Torres shrugged, and Chris was even more baffled.
He finally got back in his taxi and gave him the new address. He reached an apartment complex with run-down paintwork on a poorly lit street. It was terrible. Also, he quickly entered the building and went up easily because there was no security.
“Chris? What are you doing here?” Olive asked, shocked when she answered the door.
“Mom! What is going on? Why did you sell the house?” Chris questioned, dismayed and bewildered.
“Oh, Chris. Come in,” she sighed and ushered her son into her tiny living room.
Olive explained that the first time he asked her for money for the house, she had some savings and depleted him to buy them the house. However, when Chris asked her for money for his business, she had not saved anything and decided to sell her house and give him almost all the profit.
Chris was shocked by this news and the fact that he had been so oblivious. So careless. Such a lousy son. “Why didn’t you say anything? Mom! I wouldn’t have taken that money if I’d known,” he muttered, breathless.
“But I wanted you to succeed, sweetie. I failed to give you so much when you were younger, I just didn’t…” she tried to explain, but Chris cut her off.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
“Mom, you gave me everything I ever needed. I only asked because I thought you had it. I shouldn’t have asked. I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry for not asking about you. I’m sorry for not visiting. I’m so sorry you have to live in this part of town and with a roommate at your age, for God’s sake!” Chris apologized, frustrated tears coming out of his eyes.
Olive teared up as well and hugged her son dearly while Chris made her so many promises. He called Rosalie that night, explained everything, and they both agreed that it was time to move Olive closer to them. Luckily, she got a new job in New Jersey quickly.
Eventually, they built an in-law suite for her so that Olive wouldn’t miss another second of her granddaughter’s life. And slowly but surely, Chris repaid his mother for every penny she had given him for the house and business – which took off exponentially and allowed them to live comfortably. But most of all, Chris never allowed Olive to sacrifice anything else again.
What can we learn from this story?
- Visit and talk to your parents as much as possible, especially those who give you everything unconditionally. Not everyone is lucky enough to have a mother like Olive, and Chris should’ve checked on her more often.
- Don’t feel guilty if you can’t buy your kids the same as other parents. All they need is your love. Children don’t need fancy new sneakers or the latest games. All they need is your support and love.
Share this story with your friends. It might brighten their day and inspire them.
If you enjoyed this story, you might like this one about a man who quit his job to take his mom from a nursing home and doesn’t find her there.
This piece is inspired by stories from the everyday lives of our readers and written by a professional writer. Any resemblance to actual names or locations is purely coincidental. All images are for illustration purposes only. Share your story with us; maybe it will change someone’s life.
My Friend Talked Trash about My Daughter, So I Made Her Regret It
My Friend Talked Trash about My Daughter, So I Made Her Regret It
When lifelong friends Eleanor and Lucy clash over a shocking revelation about their children’s secret relationship, their Monday gatherings take a tense turn. As buried insecurities and long-held grudges surface, their bond faces the ultimate test of loyalty and forgiveness.
Each Monday, we gather at my house with my friends of 55 years, finally resting and chatting after babysitting our grandkids. This week, it was just Lucy and me, savoring the peace.
Eleanor and Lucy drink tea | Source: Midjourney
Suddenly, Lucy burst out, “I’m mad as hell! I’ve been trying to introduce my Barney to that nurse for a year. My dear son decided to do everything on his own. Can you imagine, I found this rag at his apartment?!”
I nearly choked on my tea. I knew those clothes! Lucy waved a red silk shirt and a headband.
Eleanor nearly spits her tea out | Source: Midjourney
“Who wears this? A woman of easy virtue? Oh, God, some girl from the streets has ensnared my son!”
I felt dizzy. Those were 100% my daughter’s clothes! That gorgeous red silk shirt and headband were a gift from me.
The red skirt | Source: Midjourney
“She doesn’t deserve my son. Period. And be sure, I’ll get rid of her!” Lucy declared.
While Lucy was plotting her next move, I created my own plan to teach her a lesson for insulting my daughter.
Lucy judges the girl | Source: Midjourney
“Lucy, maybe there’s an explanation. Barney’s a grown man, after all,” I said.
Lucy huffed. “Explanation? My Barney has poor taste in women, clearly!”
“Don’t you think you’re being harsh? You don’t know her,” I challenged.
Eleanor tries to soften Lucy | Source: Midjourney
“Harsh? Protecting my son isn’t harsh!” she snapped.
“Lucy, you’re jumping to conclusions,” I argued. “You don’t even know who she is.”
“I don’t need to know her! Look at these clothes. They scream trouble,” Lucy insisted.
Lucy doesn’t believe Eleanor | Source: Midjourney
I took a deep breath. “Lucy, let’s not make hasty judgments. Maybe she’s not what you think.”
Lucy glared at me. “Why are you defending her? You don’t know her either.”
“Because everyone deserves a chance. Even if she’s not what you envisioned for Barney, he must see something in her,” I reasoned.
Eleanor calms Lucy down | Source: Midjourney
Lucy’s eyes narrowed. “I’m not convinced. But for now, I’ll play along. I’ll talk to Barney.”
I nodded. “That’s all I’m asking. Just keep an open mind.”
Lucy sighed, “Fine, but if she hurts my son, I won’t stand by and watch.”
Lucy remains judgemental | Source: Midjourney
“I wouldn’t expect you to,” I replied.
We sat in tense silence, each of us lost in thought. This wasn’t over. Not by a long shot.
Eleanor talks to her daughter | Source: Midjourney
That evening, after everyone had left, I sat down with my daughter, Emily, in the living room. The warmth of the evening sun filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow on her face.
“Emily,” I began gently, “can we talk about something?”
She looked up from her book, curiosity in her eyes. “Sure, Mom. What’s up?”
Eleanor timidly asks who is her daughter’s partner | Source: Midjourney
I took a deep breath. “I need to ask you about who you’re dating.”
Emily blushed, a shy smile playing on her lips. “Oh, Mom, I didn’t want to say anything yet, but… I’m dating Barney.”
I nodded, trying to keep my voice steady. “Lucy’s son, Barney?”
Emily admits to dating Barney | Source: Midjourney
She nodded enthusiastically. “Yes, he’s wonderful, Mom. We’ve been seeing each other for a few months now.”
I reached over and took her hand. “Emily, you know Lucy is one of my oldest friends. Things got a bit tense today because she didn’t know it was you.”
Eleanor listens to Emily | Source: Midjourney
Emily’s smile faded a little. “I was worried about that. Barney and I weren’t sure how to tell you and Lucy.”
“Well, it’s out in the open now,” I said, squeezing her hand. “I want you to know that I support you, but this might be a bit tricky to navigate.”
Emily and Barney | Source: Midjourney
Emily nodded, looking relieved but also a bit apprehensive. “I understand, Mom. I really care about Barney, and I hope you and Lucy can work things out.”
“We’ll find a way,” I assured her. “Just be honest with each other and patient with us. We’ll figure it out together.”
Eleanor hugs Emily | Source: Midjourney
Emily hugged me tightly. “Thank you, Mom. That means a lot.”
As I held her, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of worry and hope. This was just the beginning of a new chapter for all of us.
Hopeful Eleanor | Source: Midjourney
The next time Lucy asked about the huge discount from my daughter, who is a dentist and has been treating her teeth for several years, I was ready.
“Eleanor,” Lucy began, “could you please ask your daughter to give me the usual discount for my dental treatment?”
Lucy came to ask for a discount | Source: Midjourney
I looked her straight in the eye and said, “Well, Lucy, a woman of easy virtue, unfortunately, doesn’t deserve to cure your teeth anymore.”
The room fell silent as my words hung in the air. Lucy’s face turned pale. She finally got it and couldn’t believe it was my daughter she had been talking about. She stammered, trying to find the right words.
Eleanor refuses to provide benefits | Source: Midjourney
“I… I’m so sorry, Eleanor. I didn’t know. I was wrong. Of course, I accept her, and I apologize.”
“Lucy, I hope this teaches you to think before you speak. My daughter is a wonderful person, and she deserves respect.”
Lucy nodded, tears forming in her eyes. “I understand, Eleanor. I’ll never speak ill of her again. Please forgive me.”
I nodded, my heart softening just a bit. “I appreciate that, Lucy. Let’s move forward with kindness and understanding.”
Remorseful Lucy | Source: Midjourney
And with that, our group resumed our usual chatter, but there was a new sense of respect and caution in the air. Lucy had learned her lesson, and my daughter’s honor was restored.
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