“Can I spend the winter with you? The gas bills are too high, and Ive no strength left to chop firewood.”
My daughter came over for the weekend to do my shopping, and I finally worked up the courage to ask her: “Could I stay with you this winter? The heating costs are crippling, and I cant manage the logs anymore.” But she just sighed and said, “Where, Mum? In my tiny flat? Maybe when Ive got a proper house, then Ill take you in.”
I wouldnt wish old age like this on anyone.
Let me share my grief with you. I was widowed far too youngonly 26. My husband left me with two small children. My son was three, my daughter just a baby. I gave them everything. Raising them alonefeeding, clothing, teachingwas relentless. But what choice did I have? I had to soldier on.
I worked full-time, then came home to be a housekeeper and gardener. We lived in a village, but money was always tight. Alone, I mowed the grass and split logs for the stove. What else could I do without a husband?
The children grew up and moved to the city.
When I was younger, I still kept a bit of a garden. When the grandchildren visited, theyd have fresh vegetables and milk. Id scrape my pension together and hand it over to my kids.
But now, in my old age, I can barely walk. Winters the hardest.
My daughter came by last weekend to fetch my groceries, and I asked again: “Could I stay with you this winter? The heating bills are too much, and I cant chop wood anymore.”
She just frowned. “Where, Mum? In my flat? When Ive got a proper house, then maybe.”
When I could no longer walk, the neighbours rang my son. He said he was too busyhis mother-in-law was ill too, no time to visit.
I begged the neighbours to call my sister. She came straight away and took me in. If not for her, Id be gone by now.
Months have passed, and my children still havent called.
When I was young and strong, they needed me. Now? Theyve forgotten they even have a mother.
I wouldnt wish this on anyone. What did I do wrong? When did my children grow so cold?
To anyone reading thischerish your parents. No one else in this world will love you so selflessly.
