Ever since my sons wife left him, weve been arguing constantly. I sensed he missed her deeply. Alice was always an independent woman, driven with ambition, a good career, dreams, and plans for herselfbut my son just wanted to build a family. So, Alice couldnt bear it. She left, unable to cope with the lack of attention from her husband, who spent every moment focused on their daughter.
I wanted the best for him, so I became angry at how things ended, tried desperately to convince Alice to come back. The arguments were inevitable.
Then, my son pushed me away, making it clear in every possible manner that he didnt need anyones help and intended to raise his daughter on his own.
Still, I kept in touch with little Emily. I saw her now and then, as my son allowed. But he never brought her over himself, not until one winter evening.
He arrived unexpectedly. My son hugged me tightly, kissed Emily on her cheek, and explained he had an important work trip ahead. I was his only close relative left. He handed me two bags of Emilys things, including medical papers. I didnt realise at first that it was more than just a work trip. Only when I said goodbye, beaming with happiness, did Emily tell me, with tears, that daddy wasnt coming backhe was very ill.
Emily sobbed, saying her fathers bones were failing, hed soon lose the ability to walk, and eventually disappear entirely. My heart froze. I called my son immediately. He had expected Id find out from Emily.
Its not as bad as it sounds, he tried to reassure me, his voice gentle over the phone. A friend found a wonderful clinicIm going abroad for treatment. Please look after Emily for now. I hope to be home in two months.
Its awkward to admit, but his illness has brought my child back to me. We speak daily on the phone now. I take Emily to nursery and her English classes, do my best to support my son. Every day, I pray his treatment works, and that we can rebuild our family when he returns. Ill be there to help him in every possible way.
