Maybe it’s time to learn to let go and live for yourself.

“Mom, why do you never warn me before you come? And you always bring so much stuff—where am I supposed to put all this?” Instead of gratitude, Oksana’s voice was filled with reproach and frustration.

“But it’s all for you. Homemade, everything natural—pickles, preserves,” Nina Fedorivna sighed, sitting down in the kitchen.

The journey was getting harder each year, and it became more difficult for her to manage. Her three children had long flown the nest, each with their own lives, leaving little time for their elderly parents.

Her eldest son had been living in Britain for several years. He had a family with three children, but he never brought the grandchildren to visit—just sent photos and videos. He rarely found time for phone calls and often forgot their birthdays. When asked to bring the grandchildren, he would always decline, claiming he was too busy.

The middle son lived in Riga. He had a family too—a son and a daughter. Though he didn’t visit often, at least he didn’t forget about his parents.

Her youngest daughter, always the favorite, lived nearby. But now, even she hardly visited. She had a son of her own, and her personal life had been a struggle. Her parents had helped raise the boy, but as time went on, she took him to live with her and stopped coming by the family home. She never remarried, and the father of her child had long disappeared.

Even though her only grandchild lived close by, Nina didn’t get to see him often. Phone calls couldn’t replace the warmth of being together, but they were all always busy, rushing through their own lives.

Nina had asked many times to visit, but her daughter always found excuses. Finally, she couldn’t take it anymore and decided to come unannounced. She didn’t expect to be met so coldly. Her husband had stayed home due to heart problems, and Nina came alone.

“Mom, you let me know at the last minute! If I had been away for work, you wouldn’t have caught me at home. I saw your message late, I couldn’t leave work, and there’s nothing prepared in the fridge,” Oksana said, exasperated.

“Oksanochka, please don’t scold me. Your father and I barely managed to send that message. Phones are difficult for us. We just missed you so much.”

“Why the rush? Is something wrong with Dad?”

“Nothing too serious, his blood pressure has just been up more often.”

At that moment, Sergey, Oksana’s son, appeared in the doorway. He looked annoyed, as his mother had promised to pick him up, but he had to take the bus. Still, his grandmother eagerly rushed to hug him.

“You’ve grown so much, almost an adult now!” she exclaimed with joy.

“Grandma, you’re going to choke me,” he grumbled, though he was happy to see her.

“What are we having for dinner?” Nina asked.

“Mom made something. I’ll set the table,” Oksana replied.

The meal was served, and although the portions were small, there was enough for everyone. Nina started to wonder if her daughter might be struggling financially and decided she would try to help. After dinner, she looked around the house. The furniture was expensive, the kitchen filled with modern appliances—there was no sign of hardship.

“Are you staying long?” her daughter asked.

“Already tired of me? No, not for long. I can’t leave your father and the house for too long.”

“Tickets are hard to get right now. I’ll try to find one for you tomorrow,” Oksana said.

It was clear to Nina that she was unwelcome. For four days, she cooked for the family, but nothing was ever quite right—it was either too greasy or too old-fashioned. Her grandson avoided her, and her daughter was always busy. No one seemed to want her there.

The final blow came when Nina overheard Sergey asking his mother, “When is Grandma leaving?” Her heart sank. She packed her things, ready to go.

“Mom, where are you going? Your ticket is for tomorrow.”

“I’ll change it. There’s no reason for me to stay.”

That evening, back home, Nina was greeted by her husband, who eagerly listened to her stories.

“Everything was great. They welcomed me so warmly, it was hard for them to let me leave,” she said.

Sitting beside him, Nina quietly reflected on how she had given her all to her children, only to become a burden. Maybe it was time to learn how to let go and live for herself.

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