“Can I stay with you through the winter? The heating bills are sky-high, and I havent the strength to chop firewood.”
My daughter came round for the weekend to do my shopping, and I plucked up the courage to ask: “Could I spend winter at yours? The gas bills are too much, and I cant manage the logs anymore.” But she just sighed: “Where, Mum? In my 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 heartache with you. I was widowed young, just 26. My husband left me with two little onesmy son was three, and my daughter barely walking. I gave them everything. Raising them, clothing them, keeping a roof over their headsI had no choice but to soldier on.
I worked full-time, then came home to scrub, cook, and tend the garden. 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?
The children grew up and moved to the city.
When I was younger, I kept up the garden. When the grandkids visited, theyd have fresh veg and milk from the local dairy. I skimped on my pension to help my kids out.
But now Im old, barely able to walk. Winters the hardest.
My daughter visited to do my shopping, and I asked again: “Could I stay with you this winter? The heating bills are crushing me.”
She just shook her head: “Where, Mum? In my tiny flat? Maybe when Ive got a house.”
When I couldnt walk anymore, the neighbors rang my son. He said he was too busyhis mother-in-law was poorly, and he hadnt the time to come.
I begged the neighbors to call my sister. She came straightaway and took me in. If not for her, Id have been done for.
Months have passed, and still, my children havent called.
When I was strong and useful, they needed me. Now? Theyve forgotten they even have a mother.
I wouldnt wish this loneliness on anyone. What did I do wrong? When did my children grow so cold?
To anyone reading this: cherish your parents. No one else in this world will love you so selflessly.
