Five Years Without Visits from the Children, But a Testament Change Brought Them Back to the Fold

Five years without a visit from my kids, but a change in my will brought them running back.

Ive got two sons, three grandkids, two daughters-in-law and yet I live like an orphan. For years, I thought Id raised men whod be my support one day. Life showed me otherwise. Since my husband passed five years ago, not one of them has set foot in my house. No calls, no letters, no visits. Until the day I announced, loud and clear: “Im leaving my flat to my niece.” And just like magic, they appeared.

I had two boys and thought myself luckythey say sons stay closer to their mums. I really believed I wouldnt be alone in my old age. My husband and I worked hard to give them love, education, a good start in life. While their dad was alive, theyd drop by now and then. But the moment we buried him, it was like I stopped existing.

They live in the same city, just forty minutes by bus. Both married, with families of their own. Ive got two grandsons and a granddaughter Ive never met. After a bad fall, I struggle to walk, but theres never time for mealways too busy, ignoring my calls, promising to ring back and never following through. Ive learned their promises mean nothing.

When the neighbours flooded my flat, I called the eldestno answer. The youngest? Said hed come, but never showed. All I needed was someone to patch up the ceiling. Ended up hiring a painter. The money wasnt what hurtit was knowing two sons couldnt spare an hour for their mum.

When my fridge broke, I rang them again. Just wanted them to come with me to buy a new oneworried Id get swindled. Their reply? “Mum, dont stress, the salespeople will explain everything.” In the end, I went with my brother and niece.

Then the pandemic hit. Suddenly, they remembered me. Started calling once a month: “Stay indoors,” “order groceries online,” “be careful.” But I didnt know how. My niece taught me. Showed me the apps, brought me medicine, stayed when I got sick. Every night, shed ring: “Auntie Anne, you alright?” We grew closer than I ever was with my own sons.

I began spending holidays with my brother and his family. My nieces little girl calls me “Gran.” And at some point, it hit me: I may have children, but my niece is my real family. She doesnt ask for anything. Shes just there. Takes care of me. Helps.

So I decided: if my sons have forgotten me, the flat goes to the one who stood by me. I put her in my will. She doesnt even know. Just wanted to do whats rightgive to the one whos always given to me.

But word mustve got out. That same day, my eldest rang. Voice tight, words sharp. Asked if it was truewas I really leaving the flat to someone else? When I said yes, he shouted, “Youre mad! How could you? Thats family property!” I hung up.

That night, there was a knock at my door. Both of them stood there. With a cake. With the granddaughter Id never met. All smiles, all charm. Then it started: “You cant do this,” “shell kick you out,” “were your sons,” “youre giving our home to a stranger.” I listened in silence. Then I said, “Thanks for the concern. But my minds made up.”

They left, slamming the door. Said if I signed those papers, I could forget their help and never see the grandkids again. But my dears, I havent seen anything from you in years except indifference. Five years goneand you only came back because you realised what youd lose. Not your mum. The flat.

No regrets. If my niece ever turns her back, thats fate. But I doubt it. Shes kind. Honest. Real. And you? Well, youll have to live with yourselvesif you even still can.