“May I spend the winter with you? The gas bills are so high, and Ive no strength left to chop firewood.”
My daughter had come for the weekend to fetch my shopping, and I gathered the courage to ask: “Might I stay with you through the winter? The heating costs are dreadful, and I cant manage the logs anymore.” But she only sighed and said, “Where, Mother, in my flat? When I have a proper house, then Ill take you in.”
I wouldnt wish such loneliness in old age on anyone.
Let me share my sorrow with you. I was widowed far too young, at just twenty-six. My husband left me with two little onesmy son was but three, and my daughter still a babe in arms. I gave them all my years, raising them alone. There was no choice but to carry on.
I worked full days, then came home to be both housekeeper and gardener. We lived in a village, yet money was always scarce. Alone, I scythed the grass and split wood to keep us warm. What else could I do, with no husband to lean on?
In time, my children grew and left for the city.
When I was spry, I still kept a bit of land. When the grandchildren visited, theyd have fresh vegetables and milk. I scraped savings from my pension and gave what I could to my son and daughter.
But now, in my frailty, I can scarcely walk. Winter became the cruelest season.
My daughter visited one weekend to fetch my shopping, and I dared to ask again:
“Could I stay with you this winter? The heating bills are too much, and Ive no strength for the logs.”
And she replied, “Where, Mother, in my flat? When I have a proper house, then Ill take you in.”
When I could no longer walk, the neighbours rang my son. He said he was too busyhis mother-in-law was poorly too, and he hadnt the time to come.
I begged the neighbours to call my sister. She came at once and took me into her home. Were it not for her, I wouldnt be here now.
Months have passed, and still my children havent reached out.
When I was young and strong, they needed me. Now theyve forgotten they ever had a mother.
I wouldnt wish this heartache on anyone. What did I do wrong? When did my children grow so cold?
To all who read this: honour your parents. No one in this world will ever love you so selflessly, so truly.
