My sister chose to raise her four children on her own. Her husband had betrayed her with a colleague, and from that point on, she never entered into another relationship. She was a learned woman; I remember she held three different qualifications, one of which was in cookery. She worked at various cafes and restaurants over the years.
She always made sure her children had everything they needed. Grateful as they were, it seemed they were never quite satisfied and would ask for more. As time went by, they grew up and formed families of their own. Still, my sister continued to send them money. Though she had retired long ago, she carried on working, insisting it brought her joy to support her children. She believed this to be her purpose in life.
One winter, my sister came down with influenza, which quickly led to complications in her lungs. The pneumonia was severe and lingered stubbornly. She took sick leave, with just enough money to make ends meet. Her friends stepped in to help, yet her children only phoned their mother when the flow of money stopped.
They checked on her well-being, wished her a swift recovery, and that was all. None bothered to ask after her financial situation. My sister pleaded with her children to visit. Each one declined. They had their own jobs and families and simply found no time for their mother.
She felt wounded. After a lifetime of caring for them, now that she needed them, they werent willing to come. She spent a month in hospital. The nurse took care of the medical bills. In time, she recovered and returned to work. Not once did her children call throughout those weeks. Perhaps the family told them their mother was getting better. Only after she was discharged did the children remember her again.
At first, they enquired about her health, but soon moved to the real reason for their call. All four asked for money, specifying amounts and deadlines for the funds to be sent. Not one paused to consider where shed get the money, caring only about their own needs.
My sister was deeply hurt. She never expected such indifference from her own children. Perhaps it was her own fault, but she felt sorrow for herself. When one gives up their own life for others, a small reward is anticipated. Maybe she shouldnt have put her children above her own needs. She should have thought of her own future, instead of just her solitary old age. Now, there was nothing left to change.
