For several hours, an elderly woman waited at the railway station for her son, but he was nowhere to be found!

Margaret arrived at Paddington Station from her small village, carrying two heavy bags. Though she didnt visit her family often, she had spent her last few pounds to bring them gifts, hoping to lighten their spirits. She never showed up empty-handed, but this time, shed truly outdone herselfeach bag seemed nearly ten kilos. The journey was a chore, but she didnt hesitate, encouraged by the promise that her son would be there to meet her.
Yet, when she stepped out onto the platform, he was nowhere to be seen. With no other option, she put down her bags and dialled his number.
The phone rang endlessly, until finally, after the tenth ring, her son answered, sounding bewildered.
Oh Mum, Im so sorry. I completely forgot you were coming today. We decided last minute to visit my wifes parents in the Cotswolds, and well be away for a week. Youve come for nothing, Im afraid. Please, head back home. Honestly, we didnt expect this to happenI just forgot to tell you, and we left on a whim.
Tears welled in her eyes, but she simply replied, Alright.
She gave the two parcels to some homeless folks on the station, knowing she couldnt bear to lug them home, her shoulders already aching from the weight. She didnt share her disappointment with her son, who never truly realised how deeply hed wounded his mothers heart. She had poured every ounce of love and care into raising him, and yet he couldnt even be bothered to see her now she was elderly.
A month later, her daughter-in-law phoned and asked whether Margaret could look after her grandchildren over the weekend, as they were invited to a friends wedding. This time, Margaret refused. She was tired of being remembered only when she was needed.
Sometimes, life teaches us that its perfectly alright to set boundaries and care for ourselves, especially when others take us for granted.