My name is Patty, and after living for 90 long, beautiful years, I can proudly say I’ve had a blessed and happy life. My dear husband passed away a few years ago, and since then, it’s just been me and my daughter, Angie.
I was so excited for my 90th birthday. It felt like a huge milestone, and I couldn’t wait to celebrate it with my daughter and my grandchildren. Angie had promised they would come visit me, and we would spend the whole day together. I had been counting down the days, dreaming about seeing their smiling faces again.
My grandchildren always made my heart feel young again. Every time I saw them, it took me back to when my husband and I were raising Angie. They looked so much like her — those same twinkling eyes and mischievous smiles. But they also had a lot of their father’s features — John, Angie’s ex-husband.
I had always loved John. He was the son I never had — so kind, so caring, with a heart as big as the ocean. It shattered my heart when Angie and John divorced. Even after the divorce, John kept in touch. Every Christmas, without fail, he sent me a sweet letter. I always secretly wished he and Angie could have worked things out… but life doesn’t always go the way we hope.
Finally, my big day arrived! I woke up early, so full of excitement I could hardly sit still. I dressed up nicely, put on a little perfume, and set the table with my best china. I kept looking at the clock, waiting for the doorbell to ring, imagining my grandchildren running into my arms.
But as lunchtime came closer, my excitement turned into worry. Angie hadn’t called. She hadn’t texted. I thought maybe she was driving and couldn’t answer, but a bad feeling started growing in my chest. I called her. Once, twice, three times… no answer. The fourth time, it went straight to voicemail.
I sat down heavily in my chair, feeling a deep sadness wash over me. It was starting to feel like it would be just another lonely day after all.
Then, just when I was about to lose hope, the doorbell rang! My heart leaped in my chest — if my old knees had allowed it, I would have jumped up and run to the door!
I hurried over and looked through the glass. But it wasn’t Angie or the kids. I saw a tall, broad-shouldered figure standing there. My heart dropped for a second… until I realized who it was.
It was John, standing there with a big warm smile, holding flowers and a bag of gifts.
“Happy Birthday, Ma!!” John said, his voice full of warmth.
“John?! Oh, wow! You didn’t have to!” I said, feeling my cheeks flush with surprise and happiness.
“Just brought you a little something to celebrate you on this wonderful day,” John said, stepping forward.
I peeked into the bag and gasped. “Is that my favorite chocolate I see there? Oh, wow! You remembered?!”
John chuckled, his eyes twinkling. “How could I forget? It’s all you ever wanted to eat!” he joked.
“You’re too sweet. Care to join me for dinner?” I asked, already moving aside to let him in.
“Oh, no, I wouldn’t want to intrude. I’m sure you have plans. I just wanted to see your beautiful self and drop off your presents,” John said shyly.
“Nonsense! I don’t have anything planned. I’d love the company. Besides, I’m making apple pie,” I added with a sly smile.
“Apple pie?!” John laughed. “You should’ve led with that!”
He stepped inside, and just like that, the house felt alive again.
One thing I always admired about John — he was a fantastic cook, just like my late husband. That afternoon, we cooked together like old friends. John insisted on doing most of the heavy lifting while I sat nearby, chatting and laughing. He even made sure my favorite dishes were done perfectly.
Later, as we sat down to eat, John looked around and finally asked, “So… are Angie and the kids going to be joining us? I’d hate for her to think I was crashing the party. I really only meant to stop by. But I’m glad I stayed.”
I gave him a small, sad smile. “Nonsense! You’re family, John. And no, I don’t believe Angie will be joining us today,” I said, my voice heavy with disappointment.
“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. You shouldn’t be alone on your birthday,” John said, his face full of sympathy.
“Thanks to you, son, I’m not,” I replied warmly, reaching out to grab his hand. “Thank you, John.”
“No problem,” he said, squeezing my hand back. Then he looked a little more serious and asked, “If you don’t mind me asking… why didn’t she come? Or at least the kids? They love being with you.”
“They were all supposed to come,” I sighed. “I don’t know what happened. Angie isn’t answering my calls. But I’m sure she’ll get back to me soon.”
John frowned, clearly concerned. “That’s not like her. At the very least, she should’ve dropped off the kids. Let me try giving her a call.”
I nodded, grateful for his help.
John called Angie — and to my surprise, she actually answered his call! He stepped outside for a moment to talk privately. When he came back in, he didn’t look happy.
“So… it turns out,” John said carefully, “Angie, her new boyfriend, and the kids are all on vacation.”
“Vacation?” I gasped. “And she didn’t tell anyone? She just up and left? Why would she do that?”
“Your guess is as good as mine, Patty,” John said, his jaw tight with anger. “Where does she get off leaving with my children without even telling me?”
I shook my head, feeling my heart ache even more. “Oh, no… this is very disappointing. And who is this fellow? I didn’t even know Angie had a boyfriend!”
“She mentioned someone once or twice,” John said, clearly upset, “but a whole vacation?! And apparently, they’d been planning it for over a month now. I’m sorry, Patty, but I think Angie has really crossed the line this time.”
“Yes,” I whispered sadly. “This is… very disappointing.”
Hearing the news crushed me. I sat there, trying to hold back my tears, but my heart felt so heavy. How could Angie do this to me? How could she leave without even a phone call?
Later, I managed to speak with Angie myself. She apologized and said she hadn’t meant to hurt me. She promised to bring the kids to visit as soon as they came back. She said, “I’m so sorry, Mom. I didn’t want to upset you. I love you.”
I told her I loved her too. And I do. She’s my daughter, and I will always love her.
But deep inside, a part of me had broken that day. I didn’t know how to trust her after this. I didn’t know how to believe her promises anymore.
Still, I am incredibly grateful that John was there for me. His kindness helped ease the sting of that painful day. Thanks to him, my 90th birthday wasn’t completely lonely after all.
But the hurt my daughter caused? That wound will take a long time to heal.
