They say that when children are young, they compete to show who loves their mother more. But when they grow up, when their mother becomes old and frail, suddenly, she is no longer needed.
This is exactly what happened to Daniel and his sister, Olivia. Their mother, Margaret, had spent her entire life raising them, sacrificing everything for their future. But when she needed help the most, one of her children turned her back on her.
It all began on a cold autumn evening when Margaret suffered a severe stroke. She barely survived. Olivia was quick to excuse herself from taking their mother in—claiming her apartment was too small, that she had her own family to take care of, that she simply couldn’t manage.
Without hesitation, Daniel brought his mother home. His wife, Sarah, though fully aware of the burden it would place on their family, agreed. Margaret needed constant care, and Sarah took on the difficult task of looking after her. Hiring a nurse was too expensive, so Daniel asked Olivia to at least contribute financially.
Olivia refused. She said she had a mortgage to pay, that she was struggling financially, that she simply couldn’t afford it.
Months passed, and thanks to Sarah’s patience and care, Margaret slowly recovered. Though the effects of the stroke still lingered, she was able to walk again and even do small household tasks. She asked if she could stay with Daniel permanently.
Daniel had no objections. Their children were already grown, and having their grandmother around was actually a blessing—she could watch over them when needed. It seemed like everything had settled. But then, one evening, Daniel overheard a conversation that shattered everything.
He had just come home when he heard his mother on the phone with Olivia.
“Don’t worry, sweetheart. I’ll sell my apartment and pay off your mortgage. I don’t want you to struggle.”
Daniel froze in place. But his mother wasn’t finished.
“The rest of the money, I’ll give to your daughter. She’s young, she needs a good start in life.”
A storm of emotions swelled inside him. Why? When his mother was helpless and sick, Olivia didn’t lift a finger to help. She didn’t contribute a dime. But now that Margaret was recovering, she was ready to give everything to Olivia?
Daniel stepped into the room, his voice shaking.
“Mom… why?”
Margaret turned to him with a calm expression.
“You’re a man, Daniel. You’re strong. You’ve always been able to take care of yourself. Olivia… she’s a woman. She needs help.”
Something inside him cracked. He remembered growing up, always being the one who had to fend for himself. He got into college on his own, found his own job, bought his own apartment. His father, before passing away, had tried to help a little, but even then, his mother had convinced him to spend most of their savings on Olivia’s extravagant wedding.
And now, after everything he and Sarah had done—after all the nights his wife had spent nursing her, all the sacrifices they had made—Margaret wanted to give everything to Olivia?
Daniel didn’t say another word. He quietly walked over to the closet, pulled out a suitcase, and began packing his mother’s clothes.
“What are you doing?” Margaret asked, surprised.
“You want to live with Olivia? Then go. Let her take care of you now.”
“Daniel, no… You’re throwing me out?”
“No, Mom,” he said, his voice steady. “I’m just giving you what you want. You’ve made your choice. Now live with it.”
The next morning, Olivia arrived, furious.
“You’re heartless!” she screamed. “How can you just dump our mother like this? She’s old, she’s sick!”
Daniel looked at her, his face cold and unreadable.
“Where was your concern when she needed care? Where was your kindness when she needed help? You wanted her money, Olivia. Now you get the whole package.”
He placed the suitcase by the door and opened it.
“I did my part. Now it’s your turn.”
Did Daniel do the right thing? Should children share the responsibility of caring for their parents equally? Or does life simply reward those who ask for more and take from those who quietly give?
