Olive’s life had always been a balancing act of sacrifice and love for her son, Chris. For years, she worked multiple jobs, often going without so he could have more. Despite her struggles, she managed to provide for him, though it was often on a tight budget. Her hard work paid off when she landed a well-paying job just as Chris was heading to college.
At the train station, Olive assured Chris, “Don’t worry about anything. I’m paying for as much as I can. Whatever you need, call me.” With her new job, Olive was eager to support him in every way. When Chris asked for help buying a house in New Jersey, Olive depleted her savings to make it happen, believing this would be her chance to make up for the past.
Over the years, Olive and Chris kept in touch via video calls. Olive missed seeing her granddaughter, Mallory, grow up, and hoped they would visit, but the family’s busy life always kept them away. Despite working tirelessly and giving Chris more money to start his business, Olive never asked for anything in return, longing only for a visit from her family.
When Chris finally decided to visit his mother, he couldn’t afford plane tickets for Rosalie and Mallory, but he was excited to see Olive. Arriving at his old house in New Jersey, he was shocked to find it deserted. The porch furniture was gone, the garden overgrown, and the house dark.
Confused, Chris asked Mrs. Torres, a neighbor, where Olive had gone. She revealed that Olive had sold the house two years ago and moved to a less desirable part of town. Chris was taken aback. Why hadn’t Olive told him? Mrs. Torres gave him the new address, and Chris headed to the rundown apartment complex.
When Olive opened the door, Chris was dismayed by the modest apartment she now called home. Olive explained that she had sold the house and used the proceeds, along with her savings, to support Chris’s business. She had done so without mentioning her own struggles, wanting only for him to succeed.
Overwhelmed with remorse, Chris apologized, “Mom, I’m so sorry. I didn’t realize how much you sacrificed. I shouldn’t have asked for so much.” Olive, touched by his sincerity, assured him she just wanted the best for him, even if it meant her own comfort was sacrificed.
Determined to make things right, Chris and Rosalie decided to move Olive closer to them. They found her a job in New Jersey and built an in-law suite for her. Chris’s business flourished, and he made sure Olive was repaid for all her sacrifices. They were finally reunited, and Olive was able to enjoy her family’s company, never missing another moment with her granddaughter.
