Patty’s 90th Birthday: A Day Full of Surprises and Heartbreak
My name is Patty, and after living for 90 years, I can honestly say I’ve had a very blessed and joyful life. I’ve had my share of happy moments and sad ones too. My husband passed away a few years ago, and since then, it’s just been me and my daughter, Angie.
I was really looking forward to my 90th birthday. Angie had promised that she and my grandchildren would visit and spend the whole day with me. Just the thought of it made my heart so happy!
Seeing my grandchildren always made me feel young again. They reminded me so much of Angie when she was little. They even looked just like her—same bright eyes and big smiles. But they also looked a lot like their father, John, Angie’s ex-husband.
John had always been special to me. He was the son I never had. A kind man with a heart full of gold. Even after the divorce, he never forgot about me. Every Christmas, he still sent me a card. It broke my heart when he and Angie separated. I always wished they could have worked things out, but sometimes life doesn’t go the way you hope.
Finally, the big day arrived—my 90th birthday! I was over the moon with excitement. I put on my best dress, brushed my hair nicely, and waited by the window. I kept looking out, hoping to see a car pull up.
But lunchtime came, and there was still no sign of Angie or the kids. I started to get worried. I called Angie’s phone once, twice, three times—but no answer.
I tried again, and this time it went straight to voicemail. I told myself maybe she was driving. Maybe they were just running late. But as the hours ticked by, a cold sadness crept into my heart. It started to feel like I would be spending this special day all alone.
Just when I was about to give up hope, the doorbell rang. My heart jumped!
“If my knees weren’t so bad, I would’ve run to the door,” I thought with a laugh.
I moved as fast as I could, smiling wide, ready to hug Angie and my grandkids. But when I got to the door, I froze.
There was a tall, broad figure standing outside—not Angie. Through the glass, I recognized him right away. It was John!
When I opened the door, he stood there smiling, holding a bouquet of flowers and some wrapped gifts.
“Happy Birthday, Ma!!” John said, grinning ear to ear.
“John?! Oh, wow! You didn’t have to!” I chirped, feeling my heart warm up instantly.
“Just brought you a little something to celebrate you on this wonderful day,” he said.
I spotted a box of chocolates peeking out of the bag.
“Is that my favorite chocolate I see there? Oh, wow! You remembered?!” I gasped, trying to hide the blush rising to my cheeks.
John laughed. “How could I forget? It’s all you ever eat!”
“You’re too sweet. Care to join me for dinner?” I asked hopefully, stepping aside to let him in.
“Oh no, I wouldn’t want to intrude. I’m sure you have plans. I just wanted to drop by and see your beautiful self,” John said modestly.
“Nonsense! I don’t have anything planned, and I’d love the company. Plus, I’m making apple pie,” I said, giving him a wink.
“Apple pie? Well, you should’ve started with that!” John joked as he stepped inside.
John always had a way of making people feel at home. Just like my late husband, he was an amazing cook. That day, John and I whipped up a feast. He insisted on doing most of the work while I sat at the kitchen table, chatting away and feeling more loved than I had all day.
While we were sitting down to eat, John looked around the house and then asked carefully:
“So, are Angie and the kids going to be joining us? I’d hate for her to think I was crashing her plans. I really didn’t plan to stay this long, but honestly, I’m glad I did.”
I sighed and shook my head slowly.
“Nonsense! You are the father of my grandchildren, which makes you family. And no… I don’t believe Angie will be joining us today,” I said, feeling my heart break a little more.
John frowned. “Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. You shouldn’t be alone on your birthday.”
I reached across the table and grabbed his hand.
“Well, thanks to you, son, I’m not,” I said warmly. “Thank you, John.”
“No problem, Ma. But… if you don’t mind me asking, why didn’t Angie come? Or at least the kids? I thought they’d be the first ones here. They love you so much,” John said, sounding concerned.
I shook my head again.
“They were supposed to come. Angie promised. But now she’s not answering my calls. I honestly don’t know what happened… but I’m sure she’ll explain,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady.
John’s face grew serious. “I’m not sure what she has going on, but the least she could do is drop off the kids. Let me give her a call,” he said firmly.
John pulled out his phone and dialed Angie. To my surprise, she answered his call right away.
John stepped outside to talk privately. When he came back, his face was tight with anger.
“So, it turns out,” John said slowly, “Angie, her new boyfriend, and the kids are all on vacation.”
I felt like the air had been knocked right out of me.
“Vacation? And she didn’t tell anyone? She just up and left?” I asked, my voice shaking. “Why would she do that?”
John shook his head. “Your guess is as good as mine, Patty. Where does she get off leaving with my children without telling me a word?”
My heart sank deeper.
“Oh no. This is very disappointing. And… who is this fellow? I didn’t even know Angie had a boyfriend,” I said, feeling confused and hurt.
John sighed, running a hand through his hair. “She mentioned something briefly a while ago, but a whole vacation?! And get this—they’ve been planning it for about a month! Excuse me, Patty, but your daughter has taken things way too far this time.”
I nodded slowly, the sadness washing over me.
“Yes… this is very disappointing,” I whispered.
Hearing this news was like a knife to my heart. I couldn’t believe it. Angie could have called. She could have told me. Anything would have been better than being left wondering, waiting, hoping.
Later that night, I spoke to Angie myself. She said she was sorry and promised to come visit me with the kids as soon as they returned. She said she didn’t want to upset me.
But the truth was, the damage was already done.
I will always love my daughter—nothing can change that—but deep inside, I was hurt. Hurt in a way that would take time to heal. It’s not easy to trust someone again after they leave you behind like that.
I thank God for John. His kindness that day kept me from spending my 90th birthday alone, crying. He made me feel seen, loved, and appreciated when I needed it the most.
But deep down, part of me still aches.
