Patty was celebrating her 90th birthday and was looking forward to celebrating this important milestone with her daughter and grandchildren. However, when they didn’t launch, she celebrated with an unexpected guest who brought her some sad news.
My name is Patty, and after living for 90 years, I can confidently say that I have had a blessed and happy life. My husband died a few years ago; it’s just been me and my daughter, Angie.
I remember my excitement in anticipating my 90th birthday celebration. My daughter had promised that she and my grandchildren would visit me and spend the day together.
Seeing my grandchildren always touched my heart. It took me back to when my husband and I were raising Angie. My grandchildren reminded me a lot of my daughter and looked like her.
However, they also looked like her father and Angie’s ex-husband, John. She was always very fond of John, so she completely broke my heart when I found out they were getting divorced.
John was the closest she’d ever had to a child. He was loving and had a heart of gold. To this day, he still writes me every Christmas. I wish he and Angie could have patched things up, but that’s life sometimes.
My birthday finally came around, and I was over the moon with excitement. But as the day progressed, I began to worry. It was going to be lunchtime, and I still had not heard from Angie. I called her several times, but she didn’t answer a single call.
I tried calling Angie again, but it went straight to voice mail this time. He hoped she couldn’t answer because she was driving. But, as time passed, I realized that, unfortunately, I would spend this day alone, like many other days.
“You’re too sweet. Do you want to join me for dinner?”
Then the doorbell finally rang. If my knees weren’t in the fragile state they were, I would have jumped right then and there. It had been a while since I’d seen Angie and her kids, so this was the best birthday present ever.
When I got to my glass door, my heart sank in my stomach when I saw the male silhouette on the other side of the glass door. I opened the door to find John waiting on the other side with flowers and gifts.
“Happy Birthday, Mom!” John said with the warmest smile.
“John?! Oh wow! You didn’t have to,” I chirped.
“I just brought you something to celebrate this wonderful day,” John said.
“That’s my favorite chocolate I see there? Oh wow! Did you remember?” I replied, doing my best to hide my flushed cheeks.
“How could I forget? It’s all you’d eat!” John said, laughing.
“You’re too sweet. Do you want to join me for dinner?” I asked, ushering him in.
“Oh no. I wouldn’t want to intrude. I’m sure you have plans. I just wanted to look beautiful and leave your presents,” John said modestly.
“Nonsense! I have yet to plan anything, and I’d appreciate the company. Plus, I’m making apple pie,” I insisted.
“Apple pie? Well, you should have started with that,” John commented as he entered.
Another thing I loved about John was that he was a great cook. This reminded me a lot of my late husband; he was also a fantastic cook. That day, John and I cooked up a storm. I insisted on doing most of the work; He was just thankful for the company. As we sat down to dinner, John finally asked for Angie.
“Vacation? And he didn’t tell anyone? He just got up and left? Why would he do that?”
“So, are Angie and the kids joining us? I’d hate for her to think I was ambushing her or something. She had no intention of staying. But I’m glad she did,” John said.
“Nonsense! You’re the father of my grandchildren, which makes us a family. And no, I don’t think Angie will be joining us today,” I said dejectedly.
“Oh, sorry to hear that. It would help if you weren’t alone on your birthday,” John commented.
“Well, thanks to you, son, I’m not,” I said, taking his hand away. “Thanks, John,” I concluded.
“No problem. If you don’t mind me asking, why didn’t she come? Or at least the kids. I was hoping they were here. They love spending time with you,” John added.
Later I had a word with Angie and she promised to visit me with the children as soon as possible. She didn’t want to bother me, but the damage was done. As my daughter, I will always love her, but she was genuinely hurt.
I’m thankful that John was there to dull the pain. But what my daughter did hurt me deeply. I don’t know how to trust her now. What should she do in this situation?
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