Victoria’s children rarely found the time to call her, except during the Christmas season. However, this year was different. Her son discovered that she was working as a cleaner in a furniture store and abruptly ceased all communication. Victoria braced herself for spending the holidays alone, until a surprising knock at the door changed everything.
Clutching a broom firmly, Victoria paused her cleaning as a man walked into the store where she was employed. To her surprise, it was her son, Matthew, who stared back at her with wide eyes and an expression of disbelief. She smiled warmly and began approaching him, but he abruptly turned and dashed out. This reaction stunned Victoria; Matthew had always been a devoted “mama’s boy.” Yet, she reflected, as children grow, dynamics evolve, and resolved to discuss the matter later before resuming her duties.
With time, her children’s businesses flourished, and they became so busy that their contact with Victoria became sparse. Approaching the holidays, Victoria sorrowfully realized her pension was insufficient to cover living expenses, let alone purchase gifts for her children and grandchildren.
At 65, she took up work as a cleaner in a downtown shopping mall’s furniture shop. The job was not overly taxing, and she remained in good health. This income allowed her to pay bills and even buy presents, though she chose to keep this secret from her children, fearing their judgments.
Key Insight: Victoria’s decision to conceal her employment stemmed from worry about disappointing her family, especially after witnessing Matthew’s embarrassment.
She felt silence was the safest course, particularly after Matthew’s discomfort. Still, she decided to call him to explain.
“I’m sorry, Mom. I’m busy right now. I’ll call you back later,” Matthew told her hurriedly. Victoria bit her lower lip with concern.
“But honey, about today—” she began. Ten years earlier, following her husband’s death, Matthew and Marina, her children, had suggested selling the large family home to provide Victoria with a smaller, easier-to-manage apartment. They wanted to use the proceeds to launch their own businesses.
“Hi, Mom,” Matthew cut in abruptly before hanging up.
Victoria was at a loss. His reaction seemed disproportionate; cleaning was honest work that should never be cause for shame. She called Marina next, hoping for understanding.
“Mom, I’m busy. I’ll call you back,” Marina replied immediately. Victoria found herself unable to say a word.
“It’s okay. We’ll meet at Christmas, and I’ll explain everything,” she thought, trying to resume her evening.
- Despite usual holiday traditions of gathering at one child’s home, Victoria was uncertain who would host this year.
- No calls were received to finalize the festive plans, increasing her anxiety.
Two days before Christmas, Victoria confided all her worries to her neighbor, Lorena Atkinson. Lorena reassured her, “They’ll call you soon, Vickie.” Over coffee and cookies in Victoria’s living room, Lorena encouraged her to remember she was not alone.
“I don’t know… They’ve never acted like this—no response to my calls. What if they don’t invite me? What will I do?” Victoria asked nervously gripping her cup.
“Don’t fret. If they don’t, come to my house. Honestly, there’s no shame in your job,” Lorena said, dunking a cookie into her coffee.
Lorena, a neighbor of similar age residing in the building’s penthouse, offered a spacious home where many family gatherings were held. Although tempting, Victoria longed to be with her own family. Still, she wondered, “Why this coldness? Why the exclusion?” despite Lorena’s comforting words.
“No one should feel ashamed of their honest work,” Lorena reminded gently.
After their talk, Lorena embraced Victoria, promising better days ahead. Christmas morning came, yet no calls were made by either Marina or Matthew. Tears filled Victoria’s eyes as she sat preparing breakfast, gazing at the gifts beneath the tree.
Suddenly, a knock echoed at the door. “Maybe it’s Lorena,” she thought bitterly, ready to accept her friend’s invitation.
“Surprise!” her children and grandchildren exclaimed in unison. The shock made Victoria clutch her chest before a smile blossomed. “What? What are you all doing here?” she asked in disbelief.
“We came to you, Grandma! This year, Christmas is all here!” Elizabeth, the eldest grandchild at ten, shouted excitedly, brandishing a large present. The other four, aged between five and nine, rushed to the tree gifts.
“Calm down everyone. Let’s settle in, and then Grandma will hand out the presents,” Marina called softly before turning to her mother. “Mom, sorry for not calling sooner, things got a little hectic.”
“Don’t worry. Welcome in!” Victoria responded, gesturing towards the entrance. Marina was followed by her husband and Matthew’s wife, who enveloped Victoria in a warm embrace.
Finally, Matthew appeared and caught his mother’s teary gaze. He hugged her tightly, unwilling to let go.
“I’m so sorry, Mom. I don’t know what got into me when I saw you in that store,” he admitted.
Victoria clung to him, relieved to be embraced. “Were you ashamed of me?” she asked through sobs.
“At first, yes. I couldn’t believe my mom was working as a cleaner. Then I got a call from your neighbor and realized that it was me who should feel ashamed,” Matthew explained.
“What call?” Victoria inquired, stepping back slightly to look at him.
“Mrs. Atkinson. She lives here. We met when we moved in, and I had left her my number for emergencies,” he responded.
“She scolded me for not inviting you and for neglecting your calls. She told me I should be ashamed, especially since I have a successful business while you were working hard just to support us. That’s when I understood.”
“Understood what?” Victoria questioned.
“I was ashamed for never repaying you for the house money. You gave it freely, asking nothing. We have money, a nice car, a renovated home, and yet you struggled to pay bills. I felt like a failure and didn’t know how to handle it. I thought I was angry at you, but it was the opposite,” he concluded, stepping away.
A hand touched Victoria’s back—it was Marina.
“I was angry too. Angry because you never told us you needed money or about your job. But I was really angry at myself. You shouldn’t have had to work when the money you gave us could have easily supported you for life. I don’t understand how we never realized this before.”
“You don’t have to repay us. Everything’s fine,” Victoria tried to say, but Marina gently interrupted:
“We have to, especially after Mrs. Atkinson’s words. She called me as well, mentioning how hard you worked to provide us gifts and avoid worry.”
Victoria smiled, grateful to soon thank Lorena personally. “Enough talking. Let’s open the presents!” she exclaimed, looking at the grandchildren.
That Christmas became the most memorable one Victoria ever experienced. Both Marina and Matthew began sending her regular payments. However, Victoria continued working—not out of necessity, but because she enjoyed chatting with colleagues. She finally retired at 70 with a comfortable savings account.
Since then, her children never forgot to answer her calls or include her in family plans.
What lessons does this story impart?
- Honest labor holds no shame; pride should accompany any profession.
- Parents’ sacrifices deserve recognition and gratitude.
- Family bonds can heal through understanding and open communication.
This story serves as a touching reminder of the importance of empathy and the true essence of family support during difficult times.