I was sitting in the doctor’s waiting room when my phone rang. It was Angela, my only daughter. Her voice sounded strange, almost cold, when she said, “Mom, we’re going to Europe tomorrow. I already sold your beach house and your car.”

If Aurora knew the whole truth, that I had the power to solve all of Angela’s problems, but was choosing to let her suffer a little longer so she would learn the full lesson. Do you think I’m doing the right thing? I think you’re doing what a good mother would do, but I also think Angela needs to fully understand what she lost when she left you.
What do you mean? I think she needs to value you not just as the mother who rescues her when she’s in trouble, but as the strong woman who built a stable life for 45 years. She needs to respect you, not just need you. Aurora had hit the nail on the head. That was exactly the point of my whole plan. I didn’t want Angela to come back to me out of desperation. I wanted her to come back out of genuine respect and mature love.
And how do you think that can happen? I think it’s already happening. I’ve seen her these past few days, Antonia. The way she talks to you now is completely different. She’s no longer the daughter who bosses you around or treats you like you’re a burden. She’s now a grown woman who is genuinely grateful to have a mother like you.

That night, when Angela returned from work, I saw her arrive tired, but with a newfound dignity. She had earned those few pesos through her own effort, and that meant something to her. How was your first day? Difficult, but not as bad as I thought. The other ladies who work there helped me a lot.

Continue reading…