My daughter visited for the weekend to do some shopping for me, so I asked, “Can I spend the winter with you? The gas bills are really high, and I don’t have the strength to chop wood.” She replied, “Where would you stay, Mum, in my flat? Once I have a house, then I’ll take you in.”
I wouldn’t wish such an old age on anyone.
I want to share my pain with you. I became a widow very early on, at the age of 26. My husband left me with two small children. My son was three, and my daughter was just a year old. I devoted my entire life to them. They needed care, clothes, and education. I had no choice but to find a way to deal with it all.
I worked full-time, and after work, I took on the roles of homemaker and gardener. I lived in a village, but money was always tight. I mowed the hay myself and chopped my own firewood. What else could I do with no husband around?
As my kids grew up, they moved to the city.
When I was younger, I could still manage the household. When the grandchildren visited, they could enjoy fresh vegetables and drink milk. I saved my pension and gave it to the children.
But now in my old age, I can hardly do anything; I barely manage to walk. Winters were the hardest.
My daughter came over for the weekend to shop for me, and I asked her again, “Can I spend the winter with you? The gas bills are high, and I can’t chop wood.”
She said, “Where would you stay, Mum, in my flat? I’ll take you in when I have a house.”
When I could no longer walk, the neighbours called my son. He said he was very busy, that his mother-in-law was also unwell, and he didn’t have the time to come over.
I asked the neighbours to call my sister. She came at once and took me to her home. Thanks to her, I’m still here.
Months have passed, and my children still haven’t reached out.
When I was younger and healthy, they needed me, but now they’ve forgotten they have a mother.
I wouldn’t wish this on anyone. What did I do wrong? When did my children become so indifferent?
I plead with anyone reading this: respect your parents. No one in the world will love you as unconditionally and sincerely as they do!
