Nothing can be more heartbreaking than the unexpected death of a loved one. Janet, a mother of two, was overcome with grief as she observed her husband of 25 years, Thomas, being buried and gone.
Her spouse had been laid to rest two months before. The moisture on the mound of soil on his burial had dried up, but Janet was still drowning in misery and grief.
The number was right — and I called immediately, but it wouldn’t go through.
The messages didn’t go through, but I texted back. Shouting into a void was like that. However the photo helped reignite my determination. Suzie was out there. Even though she was obviously still in a bad place, and clearly, she was still alive; she was alive and at least a part of her still longed for us. I’d never give up on her.
No leads. No clues where Suzie was. A year went by. The twins’ first birthday was sweet and bitter. I’d been pouring into raising them, but there was no ache for Suzie gone.
Knock on the door that evening, and the living room girls were playing.
I thought I was dreaming at first. She was standing there holding a small gift bag with tears clouding her eyes. She was looking healthier, her cheek were more full, and she was more confident with her posture. The smile didn’t hide the sadness still there behind it.
“But it’s thousands of miles away. Are you sure you want me to go so far alone?” Janet asked her boys, surprised and in tears.
“Mom, trust us…you will not regret this trip,” said Eric.
“Yeah, mom…you need a break…you should go.”
Janet could not refuse the offer since she was thrilled to be able to return to the location that represented her love for her late spouse. She consented and left for vacation two days later, unknowing of her sons’ plans for her house.
“Son, thank you very much. It still feels the same, and I am standing on the bridge where your father proposed to me.” Janet said on the phone from her vacation location.
“Mom, we are glad you are enjoying your holiday. I hope you are comfortable in the hotel we booked for you,” replied Eric.
“Yes, son, it is amazing. It still feels like yesterday when I met your father. I wish you two were with me now.”
“Well, sorry, mom…Brad and I have important work back here… Maybe some other time okay? Talk to you later, bye!”
Janet completely believed Eric and imagined they were working on something meaningful. But she had no idea what they were thinking.
Janet spent the next two days seeing the city, reliving her delightful times with Thomas. She went to every location, including their favorite café, and felt her heart light up with their memories.
The number was right — and I called immediately, but it wouldn’t go through.
The messages didn’t go through, but I texted back. Shouting into a void was like that. However the photo helped reignite my determination. Suzie was out there. Even though she was obviously still in a bad place, and clearly, she was still alive; she was alive and at least a part of her still longed for us. I’d never give up on her.
No leads. No clues where Suzie was. A year went by. The twins’ first birthday was sweet and bitter. I’d been pouring into raising them, but there was no ache for Suzie gone.
Knock on the door that evening, and the living room girls were playing.
I thought I was dreaming at first. She was standing there holding a small gift bag with tears clouding her eyes. She was looking healthier, her cheek were more full, and she was more confident with her posture. The smile didn’t hide the sadness still there behind it.
“Ah, nothing, mom…I’m just tired,” Eric pretended.
Janet knew something was wrong, especially after seeing Eric constantly on his phone.
“Is everything ready? Yeah, we’re on our way…soon….” she overheard him talk to someone. Janet grew suspicious and arrived home, only to witness the biggest shock of her life.
“Oh my God!” she gasped. “What happened to my house? H-how did you boys do it?”
Eric and Brad approached their mom, leading her by the hand to her house.
“Here, mom, we finished what dad started,” they said together, leading her to her newly renovated home. “…And wait, there is another surprise for you.”
The brothers worked together to restore and paint the house. Their father had begun restoring the home but died of heart arrest, leaving the renovations unfinished. Eric and Brad astonished their mother by finishing it for their father. They restored the kitchen, installed new furnishings to the living room, and painted the entire house.
Janet was astounded to witness her home’s fresh transformation. She could not believe her eyes and fell into tears, only to be urged to keep them back for another sweet surprise.
“Oh my God, this is unbelievable!” she cried.
The wainscotted wall displayed a beautiful collection of family photos from different timelines. Her children’s heartwarming gesture touched Janet. She hugged and kissed them, unable to stop crying.
Eric and Brad knew their mom would love their surprise. But seeing her so emotional and drowning in tears of joy brought more tears to their eyes.
Later that evening, Janet spent a long time with her sons in front of the fireplace, sharing her holiday experience.
“What is even more surprising?” I felt your father’s hand on my shoulder as soon as I closed my eyes and said, “I love you” on the bridge. I sensed his presence in a gust of wind, which made my heart light and happy.”
“Yes, mama, dad is always present in our memories!” Eric exclaimed as Brad played a beautiful melody on the piano, filling their gorgeous home with happy memories!
What can we learn from this story?
Love and respect your parents’ wishes. After their father died, Eric and Brad sent their mother on her dream vacation to preserve her memories. Then they surprised her with a lovely home makeover to honor their father and complete the repairs he had begun.
A small act of kindness can brighten someone is day and help them overcome their sadness. Aside from refurbishing their home, Eric and Brad surprised their mother by decorating her bedroom with family photos. Janet was touched, which made her feel lighter.