My children sold my flat and bought me a bedsit. They kept the rest of the money for themselves.
Our parents live on the fifth floor. My sister and I grew up, moved out, and started our own lives. Mum and Dad once bought each of us our own flats, so from that perspective we managed well, but since then our parents have had no savings to speak of. Both are pensioners now.
Dad is often unwell, so most of his pension goes towards medicine. There really isnt much left overwhat savings could they possibly have? My sister and I were never the sort to sit back and wait for our parents to ask for help; theyd never tell us even if they needed it. Theyd rather borrow money and repay it later than trouble us. After some long conversations, my sister and I agreed wed help them out and give them a certain amount every month. It wasnt much between the two of us, but we knew theyd need it. Wed even prepared a whole speech, ready to persuade them to accept, but to our surprise Mum was delighted and accepted our help, saying she was lucky to have such wonderful daughters.
Lately, a woman of pension age had moved into the flat below, on the fourth floor. She spoke to no one, rarely left her home, kept entirely to herselfso much so that after a while, we all stopped trying to engage her and simply allowed her to live in her own way.
But life clearly wasnt easy for her. She was often seen meticulously counting her money before buying food, usually only bringing back bread and little else. No visitors ever called. One day, Mum happened to cross paths with her and gently asked why she always shopped alone for just bread. The woman looked at my mum and, tears filling her eyes, said she lived on a meagre pension and had to cover all her bills herself. Most months, all she could afford was a loaf or two.
Do you have any children? Mum asked.
They bought this bedsit for me, after selling my old flat and keeping the rest. They said one room was more than enough for me, and if anything happened, theyd be informed. Thats just how it is. Did I truly bring up my children so poorly? I honestly dont understand…
Mum felt an overwhelming sadness for the poor woman but was at a loss as to how she could help. Recently, though, Mum has started sharing some of the shopping my sister and I bring her. Shes grateful just to have us, and were grateful for her.
