Erabaru.net. A woman finally gets a good job when her son goes to college and pays whatever he needs from then on. It’s been seven years and they were just talking through the screen, but one day her son came back and she couldn’t believe what had happened.
“Chris, don’t worry about anything. Mom pays what mom can. For anything you need, she calls the mother,” Olive told her son at the train station. She was on her way to New York to attend college and finally found a well-paying job.
However, for most of his life up to that point, he hadn’t been able to reveal much. His gifts have always been used, because she raised him alone and studied at night. She never lacked food or shelter, but Olive always felt guilty about not being able to provide for what her friends had.
Eventually he got a decent salary and was ready to give anything he wanted.
“Thanks, Mom,” Chris said, hugging her and getting into the car.
“Ms. Franklin, you should come and see us! I’m so big now! Chris’ girlfriend Rosalie told him through the computer screen.
Chris had known her in freshman year and they were both about to graduate. However, her Rosalie discovers she is pregnant and they are engaged. Sadly, Olive had never met her in person as they both studied hard and Rosalie couldn’t travel far in her condition.
Meanwhile, Olive also can’t come as she is working very hard. Over the years, she took on more and more hours despite the overtime salary as she paid for Chris’ college, his housing, his expenses, and her expenses. However, she lived as frugally as possible.
“In a moment, Rosalie! I hope to meet you soon. When I have some free time,” Olive nodded and finally Chris appeared on the screen. He told Rosalie that he needed to talk to his mother about her, and she left the room.
“Mom, I want to ask you something,” Chris began, scratching the back of his neck. “Since Rosalie and I are graduating high school and having a baby soon, I was wondering if you could help me with a house. We have seen one. It was in New Jersey because we couldn’t live in the city, but it was beautiful. It reminds me of home.”
Olive stared at her son for a while and thought deeply. “Well, I…I don’t know,” she muttered, thinking of her savings and her hard work. Eventually she intends to retire.
“Please” Chris begged and talked about the cost of the house and how much they would need a down payment. He also said that Rosalie was left with nothing because she had no family to turn to for help.
“Okay, Chris, okay. I think we can work it out,” Olive finally said. She’ll have to spend all her savings and maybe live more economically. But it’s possible.
“Thank you! Thank you mom! I don’t know what I would do without you!” Chris said, almost crying during the video call, and Olive smiled, knowing it was worth it.
“Hope you can come this Christmas,” Olive commented to the computer, as she had for years. Her son had left her home seven years ago and had not returned to his Maryland hometown. All they do is video chat. He misses his nephew’s life and hates it. But everyone is busy.
Olive works harder than ever because she still helps her son a lot and spends her savings a second time when she wants to start a business. She never asked her for anything in return, but she at least hoped they would visit her, because she couldn’t.
‘I can’t, ma’am. Not this year,’ Chris said, shaking his head. ‘But thanks for the presents you sent Mallory. He loves it. You’re a wonderful grandmother.’
“Put it on the screen,” Olive asked gently and saw her granddaughter wanting to hug her.
Olive had no idea that Chris was finally going to visit her. She couldn’t afford a plane ticket for Rosalie and Mallory to go with him, but in the end she was happy to see her mother.
However, his cab stopped in front of his house and Chris frowned. It was 9pm and the lights were completely out. Chris told his driver to wait a moment and got out. The terrace furniture is gone. His mother’s favorite plant is also missing. The garden was overgrown and not even a welcome mat.
Knocked on the door. No reply. She looked through the window and couldn’t believe it. There is nothing inside. Did mom move? Why didn’t she tell me? he wondered, concerned.
“Chris? Is that you?” a female voice asked.
He turned and saw Madre Torres, an elderly woman who had lived next to them all her life. “Mother Torres. Hello!”
“What are you doing here, son?” she asked.
“I’m here to meet mom. Do you know where she is?” he asked, frowning.
“Oh dear. Your mother moved about two years ago. She sold the house but the new owners just moved in a few weeks ago. I don’t know who’s moving now,” said Mrs Torees, her brow furrowed as she continued to ramble.
“He never told me,” Chris murmured. “You know where?”
“Sure, I wrote down the address. Come with me,” Mrs. Torres went to her house and gave her a piece of paper.
Chris read the address and frowned. The address indicates the less beautiful side of the city. “Do you know why he moved there?” he asked the old woman.
“Not love. But I know he has roommates now,” Mrs. Torres shrugged and Chris was even more confused.
Finally he went back to the cab and gave it a new address. He reaches the apartment complex with the damaged paint on a dimly lit street. It’s really terrible. Also, he entered the building quickly and climbed easily because there was no security.
“Chris? What are you doing here?” Olive asked, surprised when she opened the door.
“Mom! What happened? Why did you sell the house?” asked Chris, worried and confused.
“Oh, Chris. Come in,” she sighed and ushered his son into her small living room.
Olive explained that the first time she asked for money to buy a house, she had some savings and spent it on buying a house. However, when Chris asked for money for his business, she ran out of savings and decided to sell his house and give him almost everything.
Chris was surprised by this news and how oblivious he was. So careless. What a bad boy. “Why didn’t mom say anything? Mom! I wouldn’t have taken the money if I’d known,” he muttered, breathless.
“But Mommy wants you to be successful, baby. Mommy couldn’t give you so much when you were little, Mommy just didn’t…” she tried to explain to her, but Chris cut him off.
“Mom, you give me everything I need. I’m only asking because I think you have it. I shouldn’t have asked. Excuse me. Forgive me for not asking about you. Forgive me for not coming. I’m so sorry you have to live in this part of town and with roommates your own age, for God’s sake! Chris apologized, tears of frustration falling from his eyes.
Olive cried too and hugged her son warmly as Chris made her many promises. He called Rosalie that night, explained everything, and they both agreed it was time to bring Olive closer to them. Fortunately, she quickly found a new job in New Jersey.
Eventually, they built a suite for the in-laws so Olive wouldn’t miss a second of her granddaughter’s life. And slowly but surely, Chris was paying back her mother for every penny she invested in her home and business, which grew exponentially and allowed them to live comfortably. But most of all, Chris never let Olive sacrifice anything again.
What can we learn from this story?
Visit and talk to your parents as much as possible, especially those who give you everything unconditionally. Not everyone was lucky enough to have a mother like Olive, and Chris should have checked in more often.
Don’t feel guilty if you can’t buy your child like other parents. All they need is your love. Kids don’t need new sneakers or the latest game. All they need is your support and love.
Share this story with your friends. It could brighten their day and inspire them. (yn)
Source: Amama
