Part 1: The Night I Was Finally Needed

December 29, 2025 by ucef

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I never argued with them.
But I never fully agreed either.

There’s dignity in honest work. And there’s peace in silence when the rest of the world sleeps.

Still, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t hope for small things. When you give your body, your time, and your youth to raising children, you secretly hope that one day it circles back. A visit. A phone call. A birthday card signed in crooked handwriting by a grandchild you’ve only seen in photos.

Mine stopped coming.

I have three children. Diana. Carly. Ben. All grown. All successful. College degrees framed on walls I’ve never stood in front of. They have partners, children, bright kitchens with stone countertops and refrigerators stocked with wine and sparkling water.

And me?