So, I was chatting with my neighbour the other day, a lovely old lady who lives down the hall, and I happened to ask her, When was the last time you spoke to your son? I could instantly tell it was a tough subjecther eyes just sort of fell and suddenly my heart went out to her.
She told me its been over six years since she last saw him. After he moved out with his wife, hed call every now and then at first, but eventually, he stopped altogether. She said she once bought him a birthday cake and went round to surprise him, but as she was telling me this, her voice just broke and she had to look away because she was about to cry.
So, I asked her gently, What happened?
She told me her daughter-in-law answered the door and flat-out told her she wasnt welcome there. Her son said nothing, just looked at her as if shed done something wrong, then turned away. And that was the last time they saw each other.
I was genuinely shocked. Did he not call you after that? I asked, still not believing what I was hearing.
She said she rang him up once when she decided to sell her three-bedroom flat and downsize. Naturally, she gave him a bit of money from the sale. He turned up, signed the paperwork, took the money, and never called again.
I asked her, Do you find it lonely, or have you made peace with being on your own now?
She gave me this little smile and said shes alright, really. She told me shed been raising her son by herself ever since her husband left her for another woman, years ago. She did everything for that boyloved him, took care of him, made sure he had everything he needed. She was proud when he told her he wanted to get his own place, thought it meant he was growing up and starting to think about his own future.
But it was really all for his girlfriend. Apparently, it was her ideathey needed their own space, she didnt want anyone else interfering in their lives. And then, of course, she got pregnant.
I couldnt help but ask her, Youre telling me all this so calmly. Arent you hurt your son abandoned you like this in your old age?
She shrugged and said shes gotten used to it. She actually likes her new flat. Shes got plenty of moneyenough for anything she needs. She enjoys her mornings: wakes up, puts the kettle on, then sits out on her balcony with a cup of tea watching London waking up. She told me when she was younger, all she wanted was a good nights sleep since she worked double shifts. She used to imagine growing old surrounded by family, but, as she put it, it looks like she was always meant to be on her own.
I suggested, Why not get a pet? Might cheer you up, you knowtwo can be more fun than one.
She just shook her head and said, Oh, love, even cats wander off from their owners after a while, and I couldnt possibly take on a dog. Who knows if Ill even be around tomorrow? I cant look after someone Im not sure I can protect. I already took a chance once and look where that got me.
She was trying so hard to keep it together, but in the end, she just couldnt and the tears finally came. Honestly, I wished I could have done more for her than just be there and listen.
