At 75, I felt grateful for a full life, a happy home, and two sons — Alex, a lawyer, and Stefan, who stayed with me for years. When Stefan married Angela, I welcomed her warmly, though she was very different from my gentle son.
Gradually, small changes crept in: she cleared my plate before I’d finished and grew impatient when I moved slowly. Once, I overheard her telling Stefan she was thinking about a care facility for me.
My heart ached, but I said nothing. The next morning, Stefan avoided my eyes and said softly, “Dad… maybe it’s time.” On the drive, I thought about a lifetime of memories. At the facility, the gardens and the friendly people eased my worry. Stefan hugged me, whispering, “I want you to be happy.”
Then I understood his choice came from love. Life changes — some hurt, some bring hope. This wasn’t an end but a new chapter. True love sometimes means hard decisions, and every chapter, even unexpected ones, can still hold beauty.