Five Years Without Visits from the Children, But an Announcement of a Will Change Brought Them Back

Five years without a visit from my children, but news of a change to my will brought them running.

I have two sons, three grandchildren, two daughters-in-law and I live like an orphan. For years, I believed I had raised men who would one day be my comfort. But life showed me another truth. Since my husband passed, not one of them has stepped foot in my home. No calls, no letters, no visits. Until the day I declared aloud, Im leaving my flat to my niece. And then, as if by magic, they appeared.

I had two boys and thought myself fortunatepeople say sons stay closer to their mothers. I trusted I wouldnt be alone in my old age. My husband and I worked hard to give them love, an education, help them start their lives. While their father was still here, they visited now and then. But the moment we buried him, it was as though I ceased to exist.

They live in the same city, just forty minutes by bus. Both married, each with their own families. I have two grandsons and a granddaughter Ive never met. After a fall, I walk with difficulty, yet they never have timealways too busy, ignoring my calls, promising to phone back and never doing so. Ive grown used to their empty words.

When the neighbours leak ruined my ceiling, I rang my eldestno answer. The younger one swore hed come, but never did. All I needed was someone to paint over the stain. In the end, I hired a decorator. It wasnt the cost that hurt, but knowing my own sons couldnt spare an hour for their mother.

When my refrigerator broke, I rang them again. I only wanted company to buy a new one, afraid of being cheated. Mum, dont fuss, they said. The salesman will explain everything. In the end, my brother and niece went with me.

Then the pandemic came. Suddenly, they remembered me. They began calling once a month: Dont leave the house, order groceries online, be careful. But I didnt know how. It was my niece who taught me. She showed me the apps, brought me medicine, stayed when I fell ill. Every evening, she called: Aunt Margaret, are you all right? 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. And one day, I understood: I may have sons, but my niece is my true family. She asks for nothing. She is simply there. She cares. She helps.

So I decided: if my children have forgotten me, let the home go to the one who stood by me. I left the flat to her in my will. She doesnt even know. I only wished to do what was fairto reward the one who never let me down.

But someone talked. That same day, my eldest rang. His voice was sharp, his words cold. Is it true? he demanded. Youre giving the flat away? When I said yes, he shouted, Youre mad! How could you? Thats family property! I hung up.

That night, they knocked at my door. Both of them. With a cake. With the granddaughter Id never seen. All smiles, all charm. Then came the words: You cant do this, shell toss you out, were your sons, youre giving our home to a stranger. I listened in silence. Then I said, Thank you for your concern. But my decision is made.

They left, slamming the door. Threatened that if I signed the papers, Id lose their help and never see my grandchildren again. But my dears, Ive seen nothing of you for years but indifference. Five years goneand you only returned when you knew what you stood to lose. Not your mother. The flat.

I dont regret it. If my niece ever turns away, so be it. But I dont believe she will. Shes good, honest, true. And you? Now live with your consciencesif you still have them.