After his second stroke, the doctors told us there was no hopeGeorge would never get out of bed again. Now hes bedridden, and his family has to either hire a nurse or look after him themselves. The trouble is, George only has a son and a granddaughter. His granddaughter, Emily, is twenty-five, lives abroad, barely ever speaks to her granddad, and only rings him occasionally. George and his son had a falling out about four years ago. George always wanted the best for Emily, so he was forever giving his son advice, but his son was used to raising Emily on his own. George was frustrated that his son never listened, always saying it was his sons stubbornness that caused his wife to leave, which just offended his son further. After a heated argument one day, his son stopped calling for weeks, and George, still holding a grudge, changed his will so everything would go to his granddaughter. When his son finally came round to make amends, George sent him packing.
And now he regrets it. He mourns the loss of his sonthey havent spoken in yearsbut I dont think thats the whole story. George simply doesnt have the courage to take the first step towards reconciliation. Any relationship, especially family, can be pieced back together. The real question is, would his son even want to return, knowing that his father stayed silent for so long, only reaching out now that he needs help and someone to lean on?
