But Mom eventually became ashamed of needing so much help. She felt she should have been able to manage everything alone. Gradually, she stopped calling Margaret, missed visits, and allowed their friendship to fade.
“I wanted you to remember a mother who could manage,” she whispered.
I was heartbroken. I’d never realized how much Mom had struggled or how much Margaret had done for us.
But there was more to the story.
Margaret had recently become ill, and her daughter, Ellen, was struggling to care for her while working. When Ellen called Mom for help, she decided it was finally her turn to give something back.
She expected a quiet visit. Instead, she found herself preparing meals, helping Margaret move around, and staying awake at night to make sure she was safe.
