Victoria never expected Christmas to develop like this.
Telephone calls from their children have become rare, and they did not hear from them this year. When her son found out that she had taken a job in the furniture store, their already tense relationship seemed to get worse.
The holiday season, usually a time for family gatherings and joy, looked as if she had spent herself for Victoria. She knew a little, unexpected knocking on her door would turn everything, not only her children, but also a heartfelt revelation about love, pride, and forgiveness.
Victoria’s children have always been too busy to often call it, except for Christmas. But this year, when her son found out that she was working in the shop as a cleaner, he stopped talking to her. Victoria has prepared to spend the holidays alone untilae a surprise knocked on her door.
Victoria, who held the broom in her hands, stopped cleaning when the man went into the furniture store where she worked. She smiled and started to him, but to her surprise he turned and hurried out of the store. His reaction was confused.
Matthew, who was always close to his mother, has grown as he ages. Victoria thought she would talk to him later and continued her work.
At the age of 65, Victoria took the job as a cleaner in a shop. The work was manageable and still felt young enough to do it.
That evening, when Victoria called her son, he replied, “I’m sorry, Mom. I’m busy right now. Can I call you later? ”
They are afraid, asking, “But, gold, today -“
“Hi, Mom,” Matthew cut her off and spoke harder than usual.
Confused, Victoria decided to call her daughter to see if she knew what was going on.
“Mom, I’m busy.” I’ll call you later, ”Marina replied as she got up.
Victoria, a feeling of helplessness, thought, “I’ll see them for Christmas and explain everything.”
Unfortunately, neither of them called her to discuss things before the holiday.
Two days before Christmas, Victoria sat with her neighbor Lorena Atkinson and shared her concern. “I’m sure they will call soon enough, Vickie,” Lorena assured her after listening to the whole story.
“I don’t know. They’ve never acted so much before. They don’t answer my calls. I don’t understand why. What if they don’t invite me to Christmas? What am I going to do?” Victoria was worried.
“Don’t worry.” If they don’t invite you, you’ll come to my house. But honestly, I don’t even understand. There’s nothing wrong with your work, ”Lorena said comfortably.
Unfortunately, Christmas in the morning, and there was no call from Matthew or Marina.
Victoria cried that morning and looked at gifts under her tree, heartbreaking when she was preparing breakfast.
Suddenly he knocked on the door. “It’s probably Lorena,” Victoria thought, resigning to accept the invitation of her neighbor’s Christmas dinner. But when she opened the door, she was welcomed by a loud “surprise!” From her children and grandchildren. Victoria was frightened, smiled widely. “What? What are you doing here? ”
“We’re here to see you, Grandma!” This year we spent the whole Christmas Eve here! “Marina called when the children invaded.
“Everyone, calm down!” Let’s settle first and then your grandmother will give you your gifts! “Marina directed children before she turned to her mother.
“Mom, hey.” Sorry we didn’t call before. That was a little unplanned, ”Marina said.
“Oh, don’t worry.” Come! Come! “Victoria greeted them with heat.
“I’m sorry, Mom.” I … I don’t know what came to me when I saw you working in this store, ”Matthew admitted, still holding his mother.
Victoria, relieved, attracted him closer. “Are you ashamed of me?” She asked.
“First yes.” I couldn’t believe my mother worked as a cleaning lady. But after I called from your neighbor, I realized I was ashamed of myself, ”Matthew explained.
“What? My neighbor?” Victoria asked, surprised.
“Yes, Mrs. Atkinson.” He lives in this building. We met when you moved, and I gave you my contact information in case of emergencies, ”Matthew continued.
“She called me and cursed me that he didn’t invite you for Christmas and didn’t answer your calls.” She told me that I should be ashamed of myself for a successful company and force you to work so hard that the goals meet. ”
Matthew continued, “I felt guilty because I never paid you back for the money you gave us. You gave us so easily and never asked for anything in return. Now we have money, an expensive car, and rebuilt our house, but you fought. I felt like a failure and I couldn’t deal with it. I thought I got mad at you, but it was really the opposite. ”
Victoria smiled and made a mental remark to thank Lorena for her help in opening Matthew’s eyes.
“So far we forget it, okay?” She said, turned to her children and looked at her grandchildren. “It’s time for everyone to open gifts!”
It turned out that it was the best Christmas that Victoria had ever had. It was a day filled with love and I would never forget it. Over time, Marina and Matthew made sure they were repaying their mother and even regularly saving money on their account.
In the end, what began as a difficult and lonely holiday for Victoria turned into one of the most memorable Christmases of her life. The love and support of her children and grandchildren reminded her of the strength of the family bonds. Matthew, who realized the depth of his own shame, was able to accept his mother and the family met to share a joyful Christmas, full of gifts, laughter and forgiveness.
Victoria’s heart was heated by the efforts of her children to correct things, and felt the weight of their recognition for everything she did for them. The holidays not only approached them, but also restored his sense of love and responsibility for himself, a lesson that would withstand far beyond Christmas Eve.