Son Talks to Mom Only on Video Call for 7 Years, Sees Deserted House When He Finally Visits
When her son left for college, Olive was finally able to secure a good job and pay for everything he needed. For seven years, they communicated only through video calls. But when he finally returned home, he couldn’t believe what had happened.
“Chris, don’t worry about a thing. I’ll cover as much as I can. Whatever you need, just call me,” Olive reassured her son as they stood at the train station. Chris was headed to New York for college, and Olive had just started earning a decent salary.
Throughout most of his life, Olive had struggled financially. As a single mother who studied at night, she could only afford second-hand gifts for Chris. Though he always had food and shelter, Olive felt guilty for not giving him the same luxuries his friends enjoyed. But now, with a better job, she was ready to provide him with whatever he needed.
“Thank you, Mom,” Chris said, hugging her before boarding the train.
Years passed, and Olive continued to work tirelessly to support her son. He met a girl named Rosalie in his junior year, and by the time they graduated, she was expecting their first child. Olive had yet to meet Rosalie in person due to their busy schedules and Rosalie’s pregnancy.
One day, Chris brought up a significant request during a video call. “Mom, Rosalie and I found a house in New Jersey. It’s perfect, and we’re hoping you could help us with the down payment.”
Olive hesitated. She had been saving for retirement, but Chris explained how much they needed, especially since Rosalie had no family to help. Despite her concerns, Olive agreed. She depleted her savings once again, just as she had done for his college expenses, to help her son start his new life.
As time went on, Olive continued working even harder, often sacrificing her own comfort to support Chris and his growing family. She sent gifts to her granddaughter Mallory, but Chris and his family never visited her in Maryland. Olive longed to hold her granddaughter, but every year, they could only manage video chats.
Unknown to Olive, Chris had finally decided to visit her. But when he arrived at her house, he was stunned. The place looked abandoned—no furniture on the porch, no plants in the garden. He knocked on the door, but there was no response.
Chris’ neighbor, Mrs. Torres, noticed him and explained that Olive had sold the house two years earlier and moved. Chris was shocked—he hadn’t known his mother had moved, let alone why.
Mrs. Torres gave him Olive’s new address, and when Chris arrived, he was dismayed to find her living in a run-down apartment building. “Mom, why didn’t you tell me you sold the house?” Chris asked, bewildered.
Olive revealed that she had sold her home to give him the money for his business when he asked for help. She had been living in this modest apartment ever since, sharing the space with a roommate to make ends meet.
Chris was heartbroken. “Mom, why didn’t you say anything? I never would’ve asked if I’d known you had to sell your home.”
“I didn’t want you to worry,” Olive replied softly. “I wanted you to succeed. I didn’t want to fail you like I did when you were younger.”
Chris, filled with guilt and regret, apologized profusely. “You gave me everything I ever needed, Mom. I should’ve checked on you. I’m so sorry.”
That night, Chris called Rosalie, and they both agreed it was time to bring Olive closer to them. They moved her to New Jersey, where she could finally be a part of her granddaughter’s life. Chris made sure Olive never had to sacrifice anything again, and he worked hard to repay her for all the money she had given him.
The most valuable lesson Chris learned was that love and support were the greatest gifts his mother ever gave him—and now, it was his turn to give back.