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.
After three years of trying and failing to get pregnant, we finally bought our first house and decided to adopt a fur baby
The worn, wooden rocking chair creaked rhythmically as I swayed, the rhythmic motion a comforting counterpoint to the storm raging outside. Rain lashed against the windows, mirroring the tempest of emotions swirling within me. Three years. Three long, heartbreaking years of trying. Three years of doctor’s appointments, of whispered hopes and crushing disappointments. Three years of yearning for the pitter-patter of tiny feet and the sound of childish laughter filling our home.
Then, there was Teddy. Our goofy, clumsy Labrador Retriever, a whirlwind of fur and affection that had crashed into our lives like a playful puppy tornado. We had brought him home on a whim, a spur-of-the-moment decision after months of soul-searching. The emptiness in our home felt unbearable, and Teddy, with his boundless energy and unwavering love, had filled it with a joy we hadn’t known existed.
He was a whirlwind of activity, his tail a blur as he chased squirrels, his bark echoing through the neighborhood. He loved nothing more than a good belly rub and a game of fetch, his floppy ears flapping in the wind as he sprinted across the yard. And then, there were the cuddles. Teddy loved to snuggle, especially on cold winter evenings, his massive head resting on my lap, his warm breath a comforting presence.
But it was recently that Teddy’s behavior had taken on a new dimension. He’d become increasingly protective of me, his golden eyes following my every move with an almost uncanny intensity. He’d started spending more time by my side, his head resting on my lap for longer periods, his gentle nudges more frequent. And then, there were the kisses.
It started subtly. A gentle lick on my hand, a playful nudge against my arm. But then, it evolved. He’d seek me out, his tail wagging with a newfound purpose, and carefully, delicately, he’d nudge my belly with his nose, then lick it with a soft, wet tongue. It was the most unexpected, and yet, the most heartwarming gesture. It was as if he knew, somehow, that something magical was happening within me.
And then, it happened. The two blue lines appeared on the pregnancy test, stark against the white background. Tears welled up in my eyes, hot and salty. I was pregnant. After three years of longing, hope had finally returned.
I turned to see Teddy watching me, his head cocked to the side, his golden eyes filled with an unusual intensity. He whined softly, then nudged my belly again, his tongue gently licking the skin. It was as if he was congratulating me, celebrating with me. In that moment, I knew. Teddy wasn’t just our dog; he was our protector, our confidante, our furry guardian angel. He knew before I did, and his joy was palpable.
The weeks that followed were a whirlwind of emotions. Morning sickness, fatigue, and the constant worry about the tiny life growing inside me. But Teddy was always there, a constant source of comfort and companionship. He’d lie beside me, his head on my lap, his presence a soothing balm to my anxieties. He’d follow me everywhere, his eyes glued to my every move, as if anticipating my every need. And every evening, without fail, he’d gently nudge my belly with his nose, as if checking on the progress of the little miracle growing within me.
As the months passed, my belly grew, and so did Teddy’s protective instincts. He’d bark at any sudden noise, his eyes scanning the room with a newfound alertness. He’d nudge anyone who came too close, his low growls a gentle warning. He was already preparing for his role as protector, his love for the unborn child radiating from him like a warm glow.
Finally, the day arrived. The day I met my little miracle. As I held my newborn daughter in my arms, tears streamed down my face. She was perfect, tiny and fragile, yet so strong. I glanced at Teddy, who was watching us with wide, curious eyes. He whined softly, then cautiously approached, sniffing the air with his wet nose.
He hesitated for a moment, then gently nudged my daughter’s hand with his nose. She startled, her tiny fingers twitching. Teddy, sensing her surprise, whined again, then licked her hand gently. My daughter, seemingly sensing his affection, reached out a tiny hand and touched his nose.
In that moment, I knew that Teddy was already smitten. He was no longer just our dog; he was a brother, a protector, a friend. He had welcomed our daughter into our lives with open arms, and his love for her was already overflowing.
As I watched my daughter and Teddy interact, a wave of gratitude washed over me. Teddy, our furry companion, had not only filled our home with joy but had also prepared our hearts for the greatest love of all. He had shown us the meaning of unconditional love, and now, he was sharing that love with the newest member of our family.
Teddy, our goofy, clumsy Labrador, had truly brought magic into our lives. And I knew, with a certainty that settled deep within my soul, that our little family was complete.
Leave a Reply