When she graduated, I was so proud of her that I couldn't hold back my tears.
All my life, I did everything I could so that my daughter, Agata, would have a better life than I did. When her father left us, we were left alone. I worked day and night to provide her with everything she needed – new clothes, extra lessons, school trips. When she wanted to study in another city, I sold my mother's family ring so she could pay for her first semester. I never regretted a penny, not a single sleepless night. Agata was my world.
When she graduated, I was so proud of her that I couldn't hold back my tears. She had a good job, an apartment in the city center, everything I could only dream of. I was glad that my sacrifices weren't in vain.
For years I supported her financially, even when she was already earning money. When she bought her own apartment, I contributed to the renovation. When she had problems with her car, I paid for the repairs. Even when I knew I was barely making ends meet, I never refused to help her.
But now, when I need support, she doesn't have it.
A few months ago, my health problems started. Heart, joints, and then a diagnosis – I need expensive surgery. I had no savings, because everything I had went to Agata. I called her, hoping she would understand.
– Agata, I need your help – I said, trying to hide the tremor in my voice.
– What happened, mom? – she asked, but there was none of the concern in her voice I knew from the past.
– The doctors say I need surgery. It's more expensive than I can afford.
Could you help me? – I asked, feeling my heart pound with fear of her answer.
There was silence. Then I heard her voice, cold and distant.
– Mom, you know I have my own expenses now. Credit, bills… I don't know if I can help you. Maybe think about a loan or ask someone else?
Someone else? I was everything to her my whole life, and now I'm nothing. I couldn't believe what I was hearing.
– Agata, I'm not asking you for much. You know I've never asked for anything for myself – I said, but she cut me off quickly.
– Mom, I really love you, but I can't do this now. We'll talk another time, okay? – she replied, then hung up.
Weeks have passed since then. The phone has been silent. Agata doesn't call, doesn't visit. Sometimes I wonder if my life has had any meaning. Everything I did was for her. And now that I need help, I feel like she's erased me from her life.
Every day I wake up with the same question: where did I go wrong? Did I give too much or too little? Was my sacrifice invisible to her? I don't know. But I do know that the loneliness I feel now is worse than the physical pain. It's an emptiness that nothing can fill.
You might also be interested in: From Life. “I Helped My Son Buy an Apartment”: Now I'm Afraid He'll Throw Me Out
See what else we've written about in recent days: From real life. “After 40 Years of Marriage, My Husband Decided to Leave for His Mistress”: I'm Left Alone