I have two sons, three grandchildren, two daughtersinlaw and I live as if I were an orphan. For years I believed I had raised men who would someday be my support, but life proved otherwise. Since my husband passed away five years ago, none of them have set foot in my homeno calls, no letters, no visits. Then I announced out loud, Im going to leave my flat to my niece. Suddenly, as if by magic, they appeared.
I once felt happy with two boys, convinced that children are always nearer to their mothers. I thought I wouldnt end up alone in old age. My husband and I had strived to give them love, education, and a start in life. While he was alive they would still drop by now and then. Once we buried him, it was as if I ceased to exist.
They live in the same city, about a fortyminute bus ride away. Both are married, each with their own families. I have two grandsons and a granddaughter I have never met. After a fall I walk with difficulty, but for them there is never timealways busy, they ignore my calls, promise to call later and never do. I have become accustomed to their empty promises. Family games.
When the neighbours flooded my house, I called the older sonno answer. I called the youngerhe promised to come but never showed up. I only needed someone to paint a stain on the ceiling. I ended up hiring a painter. It wasnt the money that hurt me, but the realization that two sons couldnt spare an hour for their mother.
When my fridge broke, I phoned them again, asking just to accompany me to buy a new one, fearing Id be cheated. Their reply: Mom, dont stress, the salespeople will explain everything. In the end I went with my brother and my niece.
Then the pandemic hit. Suddenly they remembered me. They began calling once a month: Dont leave the house, order groceries online, be careful. I didnt know how to do any of that. My niece taught me, showed me the apps, brought medication, stayed with me when I fell ill. Every night she called, Aunt Ana, are you okay? We grew closer than I ever was with my own sons.
I started spending holidays with my brother and his family. My nieces daughter calls me grandma. At some point I realized: I can have children, but the family I truly have is my niece. She asks for nothing; she is simply present, cares for me, helps me.
So I decided that if my sons had forgotten me, the house should go to the one who stood by me in hard times. I wrote the will in her name. She doesnt even know. I just wanted to do whats fairgive it to the person who has always looked after me.
But someone, surely, spoke up. The same day, my eldest son called, his voice tense, words sharp. He asked if it was true I was leaving the flat to someone else. When I confirmed, he shouted, Youre crazy! How can you do that? This is family inheritance! I hung up.
That night there was a knock at my door. Both sons were there, holding a cake, with the granddaughter I had never seen, smiling and friendly. They began: You cant do this, Shell kick you out, We are your children, Youre giving the house to a stranger. I listened in silence, then replied, Thank you for your concern, but my decision is made.
They left, slamming the door. I told them that if they signed the papers they could forget my help and never see the grandchildren again. But, dear ones, I havent seen any of you for years, only indifference. You showed up after five yearsand only because you realized what you were about to lose. It wasnt about mother; it was about the apartment.
I have no regrets. If my niece ever turns her back on me, that will be fate. I dont think that will happenshes kind, honest, genuine. And you? Live now with whatever conscience you have left, if any.
Five Long Years Without a Visit from the Children, But a Will Change Brought Them Back Home
