10/10/2024
GRANDMA THOUGHT HER KIDS WERE TAKING HER TO A NURSING HOME, BUT WHEN SHE GOT OUT OF THE CAR, SHE PALED & SCREAMED, "FAMILY, I'M STILL ALIVE!"
Evelyn had always been strong. After her husband died, she raised Helen and Alex alone, sacrificing her dreams to give them everything. But at 78, they suddenly saw her as a burden.
"I checked the shelters," Alex said. "State ones are full. Private homes... well, they're expensive."
"Private?" Helen scoffed. "Do you know how much they cost? I have mortgages to pay. Are you going to cover it?"
Evelyn overheard bits and pieces from the next room, her heart heavy. They hadn't even included her in the discussion. She was no longer part of their lives, just a problem to be solved.
Helen and Alex whispered, made a plan, and left without another word to their mother. That night, Evelyn didn't sleep. Tears welled up in her eyes, but she refused to let them fall. She'd always been strong. She would be strong now, too.
The next morning, Alex told her, "Pack up, Mom. It's time."
"To the shelter?" Evelyn’s voice trembled. Alex nodded, avoiding her eyes.
She quietly packed a few belongings and got in the car. She didn't cry anymore. Perhaps the shelter would be better. Quieter. She was tired of fighting for a place in their lives.
After what felt like hours, the car came to a stop. When she stepped out of the car, her legs felt weak. "Family, I'm STILL ALIVE!" she exclaimed, eyes wide in disbelief because instead of the shelter she'd expected, she found herself in front of ⬇️