It took me fifteen years to realise my marriage was much like a gym membership you sign up for every
For months, I believed my husband was fulfilling his responsibilities to the three daughters from his
I think the love has faded. Youre the prettiest girl in this whole department, he said that day, handing
I always suspected my husband was having an affair. People called me mad when I decided to give his mistress a job.
Stay with the child. Ill go alone to my brothers wedding. My husband got home from work yesterday, and
Hes already 35 and still has neither wife nor children. Last week, I was at my mother-in-laws house with my son.
A Parent’s Heart: A Story
Thank you so much for your support, for your likes, your engagement and comments on my stories, for following me, and a HUGE thank you from me and my five furry cats for your donations!
Please do share any stories you enjoy on social media—it means the world to the author!
“Why so glum this morning? Not even a hint of a smile—come on, let’s have breakfast.”
Her husband strolled sleepily into the kitchen on their much-needed Saturday morning off.
The sizzle of bacon and eggs filled the air, his wife poured out the tea. She plopped most of the eggs onto his plate along with a slice of bread. “Eat up, use your fork.”
“Did I do something wrong, Natalie?” Arkady asked gently.
“We did, both of us,” Natalie sighed, sitting down and picking at her breakfast, “We didn’t raise our kids right.”
“Our daughter and son grew up—we denied ourselves so much while bringing them up. Times were tough, but we supported them all the way. Now who supports us, even just with a few kind words? All they have are problems—bored with life or skint, always the same with both Sarah and Jamie.”
“That’s not fair—how do you know?”
Arkady had already finished his eggs and happily spread butter and jam on fresh bread.
“It’s easy for you—they tell me, their mother. Yesterday Jamie wanted to take his family bowling, asked me to loan him some money. I refused and he got in a strop. Sarah had just phoned before that, totally fed up with her singing career. She wants to earn her living from singing but it just isn’t working out. Sure, singing’s nice, but you need a real job, too! And those two—used to be thick as thieves, now they barely even speak.”
Natalie set aside her barely-touched breakfast and took a sip of tea.
“Don’t worry, love, things will work out,” Arkady tried to reassure her, but she only grew more agitated.
“Oh, you call that advice, Archie? It’s you who should remember. We lived within our means—grateful for everything! When Jamie was born, such happiness. The pram and cot, all passed down from my friend and my sister. Second-hand, but the kids grow so fast. And we were happy! When we bought our old Ford Fiesta we thought we were lords of the manor! Our two? Unless they’ve been abroad, they reckon their lives are a failure—did we teach them that?”
“Times are different, Nat, so many temptations—give them time, they’ll understand.”
“I just hope it’s not too late, they’ll waste their lives chasing wealth and miss what really matters. It’s strange, looking in the mirror—have I really become a grandma? And you’re a granddad…”
A phone call interrupted their talk—it was Jamie’s neighbour from the hospital.
“Here we go again,” Natalie answered, and her expression changed with every word. “Arkady, get dressed quickly, Jamie’s been admitted to hospital—he’s hurt his hand badly with a power tool, they’re trying to save it, let’s hope it isn’t as bad as it sounds. Let’s go!”
They rushed out, not young, but not old, with worry in their eyes.
As they hurried, Sarah rang. “Mum, can I pop round at lunchtime?”
“Of course, love, we’ll hopefully be back by then,” Natalie shouted, breathless, as she ran after Arkady.
At the hospital, they were reassured—Jamie’s hand could be saved, but they couldn’t see him yet.
“I’ll wait right here until we can, I’m not leaving,” Natalie declared, taking a seat, Arkady by her side.
Just then, Sarah dashed into the hospital and threw her arms around them. “Mum, why do you look so worried? He’s alright! He just had a mishap fixing someone’s car yesterday, sliced his hand, but they stitched him up—he’s awake and moving his fingers, honestly! Mum, you look like you’ve seen a ghost, it was bad but he’s OK!”
“How did you know?” Natalie managed to ask.
“Jamie and I always text, and I keep in touch with his wife, too. We do try to help each other, what’s wrong with that?”
“We thought you barely spoke anymore—why didn’t you ever say so?” Arkady explained.
“Dad, you two are so strong and sorted, you never ask for help—that’s why we try not to worry you. And you both look so young for your age! We keep a little distance so you can enjoy some time for yourselves.”
“Well I never, I was sure you didn’t care about us anymore,” Natalie smiled in relief.
“Oh mum, your generation is made of such tough stuff—honestly, we try so hard to be like you, but it’s not always easy. But we do try, we really do!”
Their anxious expressions softened, replaced by warm smiles.
“Mum, Dad, I wanted to tell you—I got a new job! And I’m still singing at all sorts of events. The other day I sang at a care home, and they clapped so much! One lady even wept—her daughter’s a famous singer but is always on tour, so she’s left her mother behind. Can you believe it?”
Then, impulsively, Sarah wrapped her parents in a hug. “And Jamie and I love you both so much, don’t ever doubt it.”
Just then, the nurse let them see Jamie for a moment. Natalie nearly wept, but Jamie was calm: “Mum, relax, the worst is over. Dad, remember when you were stung by all those wasps and nearly ended up in hospital? Life’s full of close shaves. When I’m out, come round for New Year—we never get together long enough these days! Sarah wants to introduce you to her boyfriend too, I haven’t told you that yet…”
Natalie and Arkady walked home, taking their time.
Not so young, but not so old—parents all the same.
Ah, that parent’s heart—it’s always wrapped up in their children’s lives. It always seems like other people’s kids are just kids, and all you want is for yours to be the best they can, to live the right way, to follow their parents’ advice.
But they have their own path, whatever it may be… And our children—well, they’re always ours, and always good, whatever happens. A Parents Heart Thank you all ever so much for the supportyour likes, your not-so-indifferent comments
For months, I thought my husband was dutifully sending child support to the three daughters from his
Stay with the baby. Im going to my brothers wedding on my own. My husband got in from work yesterday
Who would ever want you? Toothless, barren, pedigree-less plain old Claire. Who would ever want you?
