{"id":4688,"date":"2024-09-25T15:21:39","date_gmt":"2024-09-25T15:21:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sciencesandnatures.com\/?p=4688"},"modified":"2024-09-25T15:21:40","modified_gmt":"2024-09-25T15:21:40","slug":"i-refused-my-mothers-dying-wish-when-my-family-found-out-they-taught-me-a-lesson","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sciencesandnatures.com\/i-refused-my-mothers-dying-wish-when-my-family-found-out-they-taught-me-a-lesson\/","title":{"rendered":"I Refused My Mother\u2019s Dying Wish \u2014 When My Family Found Out, They Taught Me a Lesson"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>I said no to my late mother\u2019s dying wish, and my family hasn\u2019t forgiven me since. I wonder, would they still see me as the villain or forgive me if they knew why I did it? Would you?\n\n\n\n</p><p><em>\u201cYou betrayed your mother\u2019s dying wish!\u201d\u00a0The accusation still echoes, two years after Mom\u2019s passing. The day my family learned that I chose to dishonor my mom\u2019s last wish, something broke irreparably between us. I\u2019m Emmie, and before you judge me, hear my story. \ud83d\ude14<br>A sad woman sitting on the couch | Source: Midjourney<br>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Let\u2019s rewind to two years ago\u2026\n\n\n\n<p>I was living my dream life with Solomon, my husband of 18 years, in our cozy country house. Both of us were in our early forties, no kids, but content in our little slice of heaven.\n\n\n\n</p><p>I stood on our porch one day, watching Solomon tend to his beloved koi pond. His hands moved with grace, scattering food across the water\u2019s surface. The fish swarmed, their orange and white scales glinting in the sunlight.\n\n\n\n</p><p>Oh, just how peaceful and happy our life was.\n\n\n\n<figure class='\"wp-block-image\"'><img decoding='\"async\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/6c3c85b937d531312ba3b76249abe59b80355394a77033ea48a1e94912fdcd2d.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' smiling man source: midjourney>\n\n\n\n<p>A smiling man | Source: Midjourney\n\n\n\n</p><p>Solomon turned to me, his eyes crinkling with joy. He signed through hand gestures, \u201cBeautiful day, isn\u2019t it, darling?\u201d\n\n\n\n</p><p>I nodded, my heart swelling with love. Solomon might be deaf and mute, but our connection ran deeper than words could ever express.\n\n\n\n</p><p>The farm animals grazed peacefully in the distance. Our neighbor, Mrs. Lewis, waved from her garden. This was our paradise, hard-earned and fiercely protected.<br>\n\n\n\n</p><p>As I approached the house, the rusty old mailbox caught my eye.\n\n\n\n<figure class='\"wp-block-image\"'><img decoding='\"async\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/a98d99ad653d91997d2285e173a177dd37e87ad35ef48fdf722eb1c159b55666.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' rusty old mailbox source: midjourney>\n\n\n\n<p>A rusty old mailbox | Source: Midjourney\n\n\n\n</p><p>I opened it and found a single envelope inside. The familiar handwriting sent a chill down my spine. With trembling fingers, I tore it open, and my world froze.\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cEmmie, it\u2019s your mother,\u201d the letter read, somehow conveying an unfamiliar weakness. \u201cI need you to come home. Please. It\u2019s urgent. I\u2019m sick. Bring your husband\u2026\u201d\n\n\n\n</p><p>My hands shook as I reread the words. Mom never wrote asking me to come home. Not since\u2026\n\n\n\n<figure class='\"wp-block-image\"'><img decoding='\"async\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/098df9f0ca5ee9370da6fac397bf09caa8518fa3cf85020d239adbf311bd9bb8.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' terrified woman holding a letter source: midjourney>\n\n\n\n<p>A terrified woman holding a letter | Source: Midjourney\n\n\n\n</p><p>I closed my eyes as memories flooded back. The day 18 years ago when I told her I was marrying Solomon. Her face had contorted in horror.\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cHe\u2019s disabled, Emmie! You\u2019ll never be happy with\u2026 with someone like him!\u201d\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cMom, how can you say that?\u201d I had shot back, my voice trembling with anger. \u201cSolomon is kind, intelligent, and loving. His disability doesn\u2019t define him!\u201d\n\n\n\n<figure class='\"wp-block-image\"'><img decoding='\"async\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/fa12006da94295a85703287c0e2f074330bb5d38e58b3259f438573bb23aac09.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' furious young woman source: midjourney>\n\n\n\n<p>A furious young woman | Source: Midjourney\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cLove is blind. Think about your future, sweetie,\u201d she\u2019d pleaded. \u201cThe challenges you\u2019ll face\u2026\u201d\n\n\n\n</p><p>I\u2019d cut her off. \u201cThe only challenge I see is your narrow-mindedness. I love him, Mom. Why can\u2019t that be enough for you?\u201d\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cYou\u2019re making a mistake,\u201d she\u2019d said, her voice cold.\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cNo,\u201d I\u2019d replied firmly. \u201cThe mistake would be letting your prejudice keep me from the man I love.\u201d\n\n\n\n<figure class='\"wp-block-image\"'><img decoding='\"async\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/e6ebebb9006588e0ca5e8509e7426dc7144133f4b8667dd872835794a3ec9197.png%5C%22" alt='\"An' angry senior woman pointing her finger source: midjourney>\n\n\n\n<p>An angry senior woman pointing her finger | Source: Midjourney\n\n\n\n</p><p>Then came the moment that haunts me still. Mom cruelly mimicked Solomon\u2019s speech and hand signs, making exaggerated gestures and guttural sounds.\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cIs this how you\u2019ll communicate? Like this?\u201d\n\n\n\n</p><p>I\u2019d glanced at Solomon, seeing the deep hurt in his eyes. My heart shattered.\n\n\n\n<figure class='\"wp-block-image\"'><img decoding='\"async\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/cf7fd976e0cc079a524b640d8e8e666740ea52835a0c8d450d5caa6cbaaf1fbd.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' heartbroken young man source: midjourney>\n\n\n\n<p>A heartbroken young man | Source: Midjourney\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cWe\u2019re leaving,\u201d I\u2019d said icily, taking Solomon\u2019s hand. The door slammed behind us, echoing with finality.\n\n\n\n</p><p>That day, I\u2019d chosen love over prejudice. And I never looked back.\n\n\n\n</p><p>I hadn\u2019t been back since then. Although Mom and I occasionally talked on the phone. That\u2019s it.\n\n\n\n<figure class='\"wp-block-image\"'><img decoding='\"async\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/d67c9bac356ceaace6b29f7a654f44dcd998fb34f87e06d62045a28d8134c68e.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' telephone on the table source: midjourney>\n\n\n\n<p>A telephone on the table | Source: Midjourney\n\n\n\n</p><p>Taking a deep breath, I snapped to the moment and called out to Solomon. It was time to face the past.\n\n\n\n</p><p>Dark memories lurked in the shadows of my mind, making me hesitant to bring Solomon to visit Mom.\n\n\n\n</p><p>When I showed him Mom\u2019s letter, his eyes softened. His hands moved gracefully, signing that he\u2019d gladly accompany me. His silent support spoke volumes.\n\n\n\n<figure class='\"wp-block-image\"'><img decoding='\"async\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/2b7de236857eb89e45dd80988bd499aef0c88daa1f47c04be0999f8356f0a64d.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' man waving his hand source: midjourney>\n\n\n\n<p>A man waving his hand | Source: Midjourney\n\n\n\n</p><p>We journeyed across continents to my childhood home. The familiar streets, the house, and even the peach tree outside felt like echoes of a distant past.\n\n\n\n</p><p>Eighteen years of marriage had changed everything, yet nothing. At the house, unfamiliar faces greeted us with unexpected news: Mom was in the hospital.\n\n\n\n</p><p>As we headed to the hospital, Solomon squeezed my hand reassuringly, but my heart sank.\n\n\n\n<figure class='\"wp-block-image\"'><img decoding='\"async\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/98c5812bfb213011517b56c9dd484be1c39fcd9877383e2ba9a119ce693ff42a.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' picturesque house with a peach tree source: midjourney>\n\n\n\n<p>A picturesque house with a peach tree | Source: Midjourney\n\n\n\n</p><p>Moments later, the doctor\u2019s words hung heavy in the air. \u201cTen months, maybe a year at most.\u201d\n\n\n\n</p><p>I gripped the edge of the plastic chair, my knuckles turning white. \u201cThere\u2019s nothing else you can do?\u201d\n\n\n\n</p><p>She shook her head, sympathy etched in the lines of her face. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Mrs. Donovan. We\u2019ve exhausted all options. The best we can do now is make her comfortable.\u201d\n\n\n\n</p><p>I nodded numbly, watching through the window as a nurse adjusted Mom\u2019s IV. Solomon\u2019s hand found mine, squeezing gently.\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cShe wants to talk to you both,\u201d the doctor said softly. \u201cAlone.\u201d\n\n\n\n<figure class='\"wp-block-image\"'><img decoding='\"async\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/6d221e2e6a237e4ef7164025649f33036e966255a894156d1c9653fe7f200b5e.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' doctor in her office source: midjourney>\n\n\n\n<p>A doctor in her office | Source: Midjourney\n\n\n\n</p><p>The hospital corridor stretched endlessly before us. Solomon\u2019s hand was warm in mine as we paused outside Room 302, Mom\u2019s ward.\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cYou okay?\u201d Solomon signed, his brow furrowed with concern.\n\n\n\n</p><p>I nodded, not trusting my voice. With a trembling hand, I pushed open the door.\n\n\n\n</p><p>The room was dim, the only sound was the steady beep of machines. And there, looking small and frail in the hospital bed, was my mother, Helen.\n\n\n\n<figure class='\"wp-block-image\"'><img decoding='\"async\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/316d006de05654a297f78f9fe78d0813f49a2be013217f8d518a45c64f5dde0e.png%5C%22" alt='\"An' older woman lying in the hospital bed source: midjourney>\n\n\n\n<p>An older woman lying in the hospital bed | Source: Midjourney\n\n\n\n</p><p>Her eyes lit up when she saw me. \u201cEmmie,\u201d she breathed, reaching out a bony hand.\n\n\n\n</p><p>I rushed to her side, tears spilling down my cheeks. \u201cMom, I\u2019m here. I\u2019m here.\u201d\n\n\n\n</p><p>We embraced, years of hurt and misunderstanding melting away in that moment. When we finally parted, Mom\u2019s gaze shifted to Solomon, hovering uncertainly by the door.\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cSolomon,\u201d she said. \u201cPlease, come in.\u201d\n\n\n\n</p><p>He approached slowly, his kind eyes full of forgiveness that I wasn\u2019t sure I could muster myself.\n\n\n\n<figure class='\"wp-block-image\"'><img decoding='\"async\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/41cffb6b10ab651da3c6e1c5dbff9d2adaceb8bc2fdd0baadd6cc027f2abf5bf.png%5C%22" alt='\"An' emotional teary-eyed woman source: midjourney>\n\n\n\n<p>An emotional, teary-eyed woman | Source: Midjourney\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cSit, please,\u201d she patted the bed beside her. \u201cI have something important to ask.\u201d\n\n\n\n</p><p>I perched on the edge, Solomon standing close behind me. Mom took a deep breath, her gaze intense.\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cEmmie, Solomon\u2026 I don\u2019t have much time left,\u201d she began, her voice quavering. \u201cBut there\u2019s one thing\u2026 one wish I have before I go.\u201d\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cAnything, Mom. What is it?\u201d\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cI want\u2026 I want a grandchild.\u201d\n\n\n\n</p><p>The world seemed to tilt. I felt Solomon stiffen behind me.\n\n\n\n<figure class='\"wp-block-image\"'><img decoding='\"async\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/a3c54ffca8a1595fa39d383960325b5ed23ee72d336b821b55e73fe5465192cd.png%5C%22" alt='\"An' older lady in a hospital bed source: midjourney>\n\n\n\n<p>An older lady in a hospital bed | Source: Midjourney\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cA grandchild to hold, to love,\u201d Mom continued, her eyes pleading. \u201cTo know that a part of me lives on. Please, Emmie. It\u2019s my dying wish.\u201d\n\n\n\n</p><p>Her grip on my hand tightened. \u201cYou have time until your menopause. Please don\u2019t say no to me. Please.\u201d\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cMom,\u201d I choked out. \u201cWe\u2026 we can\u2019t. We decided\u2026\u201d\n\n\n\n</p><p>But she wasn\u2019t listening.\n\n\n\n<figure class='\"wp-block-image\"'><img decoding='\"async\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/79e34bfa1fbcb8a5f78b6dc386baf5a2f01dabd440216a1e0a2bbf6c2f0df9ff.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' shocked teary-eyed woman source: midjourney>\n\n\n\n<p>A shocked, teary-eyed woman | Source: Midjourney\n\n\n\n</p><p>Mom\u2019s eyes flickered to Solomon, then back to me. She reached for a pen and paper, scribbling frantically. When she held up the note, my stomach churned.\n\n\n\n</p><p>Large, accusatory letters: \u201cI WANT A GRANDCHILD BEFORE I DIE\u201d met Solomon\u2019s eyes as his shoulders sagged.\n\n\n\n</p><p>I couldn\u2019t breathe. Couldn\u2019t think. I turned to him, seeing the shock and pain etched on his face.\n\n\n\n<figure class='\"wp-block-image\"'><img decoding='\"async\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/d4c897487f76a2996e3b6179d29967dd571e3cb3446ba06af5b155f587999fbe.png%5C%22" alt='\"An' older lady holding up a note source: midjourney>\n\n\n\n<p>An older lady holding up a note | Source: Midjourney\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cMom, we can\u2019t\u2026\u201d I teared up, hoping against hope she would listen.\n\n\n\n</p><p>But she wasn\u2019t listening. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she clutched my hand tighter. \u201cPlease, Emmie. Don\u2019t deny me this. Don\u2019t you love me?\u201d\n\n\n\n</p><p>The room spun. I stumbled to my feet, pulling Solomon with me.\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cI need some air,\u201d I gasped, fleeing from the suffocating weight of my mother\u2019s request.\n\n\n\n<figure class='\"wp-block-image\"'><img decoding='\"async\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/7df3779fc488115f03216b12107650f57981ca90a154bc9ebd4f689fe841ee6d.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' startled woman source: midjourney>\n\n\n\n<p>A startled woman | Source: Midjourney\n\n\n\n</p><p>The hospital garden was eerily quiet. I paced back and forth, my mind a whirlwind of emotions. Solomon sat on a nearby bench, his head in his hands.\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cHow could she ask that?\u201d I signed furiously. \u201cAfter everything\u2026 how could she?\u201d\n\n\n\n</p><p>Solomon looked up, his eyes red-rimmed. He signed slowly, deliberately. \u201cShe\u2019s scared, Emmie. She\u2019s dying.\u201d\n\n\n\n</p><p>I shook my head, anger and hurt battling within me. \u201cThat doesn\u2019t give her the right to ask this of us. She knows why we chose not to have children. She knows what it means to you.\u201d\n\n\n\n<figure class='\"wp-block-image\"'><img decoding='\"async\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/f485ebc44194ab0a6b82d137a2f091d1a46883c3ffcba5be473e2cf9835d27e2.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' sad teary-eyed man source: midjourney>\n\n\n\n<p>A sad teary-eyed man | Source: Midjourney\n\n\n\n</p><p>He stood, taking my trembling hands in his. \u201cI know. But\u2026\u201d\n\n\n\n</p><p>I stared at him, disbelieving. \u201cNo buts, Solomon. We agreed. Your fears about passing on your disability to our children\u2026 I respect that. I won\u2019t force you into this.\u201d\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cBut if it\u2019s her last wish\u2026\u201d he trailed off, conflict clear on his face.\n\n\n\n</p><p>I cupped his cheek, my heart breaking for the millionth time. \u201cNo, my love. Our life, our choices. She has no right to ask this of us.\u201d\n\n\n\n<figure class='\"wp-block-image\"'><img decoding='\"async\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/9c8eed8d8293722cbc3639d1da73f8eb83ca152bf3d0e6b821f8d09883f1971b.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' distressed woman looking up source: midjourney>\n\n\n\n<p>A distressed woman looking up | Source: Midjourney\n\n\n\n</p><p>Solomon nodded, a tear slipping down his cheek. I wiped it away gently, then squared my shoulders.\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cI need to talk to her. Alone.\u201d\n\n\n\n</p><p>I entered Mom\u2019s room, steeling myself for the conversation ahead. She looked up expectantly, hope shining in her eyes.\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cMom,\u201d I began. \u201cWe need to talk about what you asked.\u201d\n\n\n\n</p><p>She reached for my hand, but I stepped back. Hurt flashed across her face.\n\n\n\n<figure class='\"wp-block-image\"'><img decoding='\"async\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/73c7150455c063d2afa86aa810753c859f02677dda5cb0a544a0c595a2d3cf07.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' distressed older lady lying down source: midjourney>\n\n\n\n<p>A distressed older lady lying down | Source: Midjourney\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cEmmie, please. It\u2019s all I want. To know my legacy will continue\u2026\u201d\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cNo, Mom. Listen to me. What you\u2019re asking\u2026 it\u2019s not fair. Not to me, not to Solomon.\u201d\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cBut\u2014\u201d\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cNo buts. Solomon and I made this decision together. We\u2019re happy, Mom. Truly happy. Why can\u2019t that be enough for you?\u201d\n\n\n\n</p><p>Tears welled in her eyes. \u201cYou don\u2019t understand. You\u2019re being selfish, Emmie. This is my last wish!\u201d\n\n\n\n</p><p>The word \u2018selfish\u2019 ignited something in me. Years of pent-up hurt and anger burst forth.\n\n\n\n<figure class='\"wp-block-image\"'><img decoding='\"async\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/504e7d75ee28f1ef2fa6464bcf43876a892b7abe197ddb6492c4fdfa15377a93.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' sad woman in a hospital ward source: midjourney>\n\n\n\n<p>A sad woman in a hospital ward | Source: Midjourney\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cSelfish? You\u2019re calling me selfish?\u201d I laughed bitterly. \u201cWas it selfish when I chose love over your prejudice? When I stood by Solomon despite your cruel words and actions?\u201d\n\n\n\n</p><p>Mom flinched, but I couldn\u2019t stop.\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cA child isn\u2019t a gift you can demand, Mom. It\u2019s a life. A responsibility. One that Solomon and I have chosen not to take on. And that\u2019s our right.\u201d\n\n\n\n</p><p>I took a deep breath, softening my tone. \u201cI love you, Mom. But I won\u2019t compromise my marriage or my principles. Not even for you.\u201d\n\n\n\n<figure class='\"wp-block-image\"'><img decoding='\"async\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/bfbad0713b6418df47fe4ddb7113e8b275810dd056213b25477084abb0411bf2.png%5C%22" alt='\"Close-up' portrait of an upset woman source: midjourney>\n\n\n\n<p>Close-up portrait of an upset woman | Source: Midjourney\n\n\n\n</p><p>The machines beeped in the silence that followed. Mom turned away, her shoulders shaking with silent sobs.\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cGet out,\u201d she whispered. \u201cJust\u2026 get out.\u201d\n\n\n\n</p><p>Heart heavy, I left the room. Solomon was waiting outside. One look at my face told him everything.\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cLet\u2019s go home,\u201d I signed wearily.\n\n\n\n</p><p>As we walked away to the airport, I couldn\u2019t shake the feeling that I\u2019d lost my mother all over again.\n\n\n\n<figure class='\"wp-block-image\"'><img decoding='\"async\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/7f6d61eba9d196c269930ce8104d8f080e969448533d58a3e62e47efee554f6e.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' teary-eyed older woman source: midjourney>\n\n\n\n<p>A teary-eyed older woman | Source: Midjourney\n\n\n\n</p><p>Several months crawled by. I tried calling\u2026 writing. But Mom\u2019s silence was deafening. Then, on a crisp autumn morning, the call came.\n\n\n\n</p><p>I listened in numb disbelief as Uncle Frank\u2019s voice crackled through the speaker. \u201cYour mother passed last night, Emmie.\u201d\n\n\n\n</p><p>My knees gave out. Solomon caught me, lowering us both to the floor as sobs wracked my body.\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cThe funeral\u2019s tomorrow,\u201d Uncle Frank continued, his tone cold. \u201cBut don\u2019t bother coming. You\u2019re not welcome here.\u201d\n\n\n\n<figure class='\"wp-block-image\"'><img decoding='\"async\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/e1bde2223bdfdddf03726294db19a6af07160924b137526532171534c994eec1.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"Sombrely' dressed people at a funeral source: pexels>\n\n\n\n<p>Sombrely dressed people at a funeral | Source: Pexels\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cWhat?\u201d I gasped. \u201cShe\u2019s my mother!\u201d\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cA mother you betrayed,\u201d he spat. \u201cYou denied her last wish, Emmie. You don\u2019t deserve to say goodbye.\u201d\n\n\n\n</p><p>The line went dead. I sat there, cradled in Solomon\u2019s arms, as my world shattered around me.\n\n\n\n</p><p>We went to Mom\u2019s funeral anyway. Stood at the back of the church, invisible to my grieving family. Watched from afar as they lowered her into the ground.\n\n\n\n</p><p>Not a single word. Not a single acknowledgment. Just cold, unforgiving silence.\n\n\n\n<figure class='\"wp-block-image\"'><img decoding='\"async\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/3445029e08214471f34beb5490ef07d748d37f388f55ff63f79010277102485c.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' teary-eyed woman looking up source: midjourney>\n\n\n\n<p>A teary-eyed woman looking up | Source: Midjourney\n\n\n\n</p><p>Two years have passed. The pain has dulled, but the questions linger.\n\n\n\n</p><p>I stood by our pond, watching the koi swim in lazy circles. Solomon approached, wrapping his arms around me from behind.\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cYou okay?\u201d he signed as I turned to face him.\n\n\n\n</p><p>I managed a small smile. \u201cJust thinking.\u201d\n\n\n\n</p><p>His eyes, so full of love and understanding, searched mine. \u201cRegrets?\u201d\n\n\n\n<figure class='\"wp-block-image\"'><img decoding='\"async\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/227887e6d6debce9fc552ce991757318364bdda2ec6a813b00182adaa6fc1421.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' man with a small smile source: midjourney>\n\n\n\n<p>A man with a small smile | Source: Midjourney\n\n\n\n</p><p>I considered the question carefully. The hurt of being outcasted by my family. The guilt that sometimes creeps in late at night. The what-ifs that plague my dreams.\n\n\n\n</p><p>But then I looked at Solomon. At the life we\u2019ve built. At the love that has withstood every storm.\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cNo,\u201d I signed firmly. \u201cNo regrets.\u201d\n\n\n\n</p><p>He pulled me close, and in that embrace, I found my answer. I made the right choice. For us. For our love.\n\n\n\n</p><p>And somewhere, I hope Mom understands.&nbsp;<em><strong>Love you, Mom. I still do. Always.&nbsp;\ud83d\udc94\n\n\n\n<figure class='\"wp-block-image\"'><img decoding='\"async\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/d331307635d461bcefb11d0fd7186bfd05f1eb358ba3c2925cceae6ef5bd025c.png%5C%22" alt='\"An' emotional woman looking up at the sky source: midjourney>\n\n\n\n<p>An emotional woman looking up at the sky | Source: Midjourney\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"</p><div class='\"mh-excerpt\"'><p>I said no to my late mother\u2019s dying wish, and my family hasn\u2019t forgiven me since. I wonder, would they still see me as the <a class='\"mh-excerpt-more\"' href="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/sciencesandnatures.com%5C/i-refused-my-mothers-dying-wish-when-my-family-found-out-they-taught-me-a-lesson%5C/%5C%22" title='\"I' refused my mother dying wish when family found out they taught me a lesson>[&hellip;]\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sciencesandnatures.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4688"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sciencesandnatures.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sciencesandnatures.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sciencesandnatures.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sciencesandnatures.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4688"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/sciencesandnatures.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4688\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4689,"href":"https:\/\/sciencesandnatures.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4688\/revisions\/4689"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sciencesandnatures.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4688"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sciencesandnatures.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4688"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sciencesandnatures.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4688"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}</a></p></div></figure></strong></em></p></figure></p></figure></p></figure></p></figure></p></figure></p></figure></p></figure></p></figure></p></figure></p></figure></p></figure></p></figure></p></figure></p></figure></p></figure></p></figure></p></figure></p></figure></p></figure></p></figure></p></figure></p></figure></p></figure></p></figure></p></figure></p></em></p></em></p>