Lola Simpson was an older woman living alone in a nursing home called Big Hearts Nursing Home. She spent most days sitting in her wheelchair, staring out the window at the small garden. The flowers bloomed brightly, but Lola felt a deep sadness inside.
Another year had passed, and nothing had really changed in her life. Her daughter Natalie and son-in-law Roger had not called or visited her once during the entire year. Not even a single phone call.
It had been six years since Lola’s life took a hard turn. When she turned 80, her health began to fail badly. She could no longer do simple things on her own. Getting dressed, cooking, even walking became almost impossible. Lola had always been a lively and happy woman, full of energy and love, but growing old was harsh, and no one could stop it.
Natalie, her only daughter, did not want to take care of her mother. When she realized the amount of work it would take to look after Lola, she made a cold decision. She told her mother she could no longer live with them and sent her to a nursing home.
Then, without a second thought, Natalie and her husband Roger moved into Lola’s house as if it was theirs.
Before leaving Lola at the nursing home, Natalie had said with fake kindness, “Mom, I promise I’ll visit you all the time. You’ll see, everything will be fine.” But as the months and then years passed, neither Natalie nor Roger kept their promise. Lola waited patiently, hoping every day to see her daughter’s face, but it never came.
One afternoon, Lola sat alone in her room, holding a small family photo album that she had brought with her from home. She opened it carefully, looking at pictures of her and Natalie from happier times. Her eyes filled with tears, and her shoulders shook with quiet sobs.
A young nurse named Mary noticed Lola crying. Her heart broke for the lonely old woman.
“Mrs. Simpson,” Mary said softly as she approached, “can I help you? Are you okay?”
Lola wiped her tears and shook her head slowly. “Oh, dear… what can I say? My daughter didn’t visit me again this year. It’s been six years now, and I keep hoping, but she never comes. I wonder if I’m wasting my time waiting. Will she ever show up?”
Mary felt sad and didn’t know what to say at first. She had heard from the other nurses how Lola’s daughter and son-in-law had kicked her out and never looked back. She wanted to cheer her up.
She gave a gentle smile and said, “Mrs. Simpson, they say patience brings good things in time. I’m sure your life will change soon, and you’ll have so much love around you. And besides, crying doesn’t suit a beautiful lady like you. Come on, I want to see that gorgeous smile!”
Lola blushed, feeling a little lighter inside. “You have a way with words, dear. I’m sorry to bother you with all my troubles. But you know what? I feel a little better now. Thank you for listening.”
Mary laughed softly. “Don’t mention it, Mrs. Simpson. I’m here anytime you want to talk. And hey, maybe you can teach me how you keep such beautiful skin at your age!” she joked.
Lola chuckled and the two talked for a while, Lola forgetting her sadness for the first time in days.
That night, Mary couldn’t stop thinking about Lola. She felt terrible knowing the woman was so lonely. She had an idea, but she needed to talk to her husband first.
At dinner, Mary said, “Josh, I know life is busy with our small home and three kids. But there’s a woman at the nursing home who’s so lonely. I want to take her in. Can we do that?”
Josh frowned, putting down his fork. “Mary, we’re already stretched thin. It would be too much stress for us.”
Mary pleaded, “But honey, her own daughter kicked her out. The nurses care for her, but she needs a family. I’m not trying to pressure you, but—”
Josh looked surprised. “Wait, you said she was kicked out?”
Mary nodded sadly. “Yes. And no visits for six years. She still hopes her daughter will come, but I don’t think she will.”
Josh paused and thought about his own mother, who had died lonely because he was too busy to visit her. He hated the idea of someone else going through that.
After a long moment, he said, “Alright. We’ll find a way.”
When the paperwork was done and Lola arrived at Mary’s house, her life changed. The children called her “Grandma,” and she was loved and cared for by Mary and Josh. For months, Lola forgot her pain and felt happy again.
One morning, Lola got a letter. She smiled as she touched the envelope.
Mary asked, “What’s that letter about, Mrs. Simpson? You look happy!”
Lola smiled softly. “It’s from someone very special, dear. Just wait…”
When Lola opened it, tears fell from her eyes. The letter said she had inherited $2.3 million from her older stepbrother, Morgan. He had found her address through her lawyer.
Morgan had promised their mother he would always look after Lola. He was very sick and knew he didn’t have long to live. Since he had no family of his own, he left all his money to Lola.
When Natalie and Roger heard about Lola’s fortune, they wanted her back. They went to the nursing home to get her, but the staff said Lola had left months ago.
Natalie asked the receptionist, “Where did she go?”
The receptionist smiled and handed her a paper. “She’s where she should be. This is the address. Maybe now you’ll learn she doesn’t need you to be happy.”
Natalie and Roger arrived at Mary’s house, pretending to be loving family. But Lola wasn’t fooled.
She slammed the door and said, “I don’t know you. My daughter and son-in-law don’t let strangers in. Please leave.”
Natalie and Roger got what they deserved — loneliness and regret.
Meanwhile, Lola found a real family with Mary, Josh, and their kids. She was so thankful she decided to leave her fortune to them after she was gone.
Lola also sued Natalie and Roger for her house. It took time, but she won.
Now, Lola doesn’t know or care where Natalie and Roger are.
When Morgan passed away, Mary and Josh took care of his funeral.
Lola’s health improved. She was happy with her new family.
What can we learn?
Family isn’t always about blood. Mary showed true love by welcoming Lola when her own daughter did not.
You can’t plant bitterness and expect love to grow. Natalie and Roger thought they could come back and claim Lola’s heart, but they learned a hard lesson: respect and love must be earned, not taken.
