Hello, I’m Patty. After 90 beautiful years, I can confidently say that I’ve lived a blessed and joyous life. While my husband has been gone for a few years now, it’s mainly been just me and my daughter, Angie, keeping each other company.

I was beyond excited as my 90th birthday neared. My daughter had promised that she and my grandchildren would visit and spend the day with me.

The thought of seeing my grandchildren always warms my heart. It brings back memories of when my husband and I were raising Angie. My grandchildren bear such a strong resemblance to her, reminding me of those cherished times.

They also resemble their father, Angie’s ex-husband, John. I adored John, so their divorce broke my heart. John was the closest I ever had to a son. He was kind and big-hearted. Even now, he still sends me a Christmas card every year. I had hoped John and Angie could reconcile, but life sometimes has other plans.

Finally, my birthday arrived, and I was ecstatic. But as the day wore on, my excitement turned to worry. It was nearing lunchtime, and I hadn’t heard a word from Angie. I made several calls, but she didn’t answer any of them.

I tried calling Angie once more, but this time it went straight to voicemail. I hoped she couldn’t answer because she was driving. However, as time passed, it became clear that I would spend this birthday alone, just like many other days.

Just when I was about to lose hope, the doorbell rang. If my knees weren’t as frail as they are, I would have leaped up with joy on the spot. It had been a long time since I’d seen Angie and the kids, so I couldn’t have asked for a better birthday gift.

When I reached the door, my heart sank as I saw a masculine figure through the glass. I opened the door to find a smiling John holding flowers and gifts.

“Happy Birthday, Ma!” he greeted warmly.

“John?! Oh, you didn’t have to,” I responded, surprised and delighted.

“Just a little something to celebrate your wonderful day,” John said, handing over the gifts.

“Is that my favorite chocolate? Oh, you remembered!” I exclaimed, my cheeks flushing with joy.

“How could I forget? It’s all you ever eat,” John replied, laughing.

“You’re too sweet. Care to join me for dinner?” I asked, inviting him in.

“Oh, no. I wouldn’t want to intrude. I’m sure you have plans. I just wanted to drop off your presents and see your beautiful self,” John said modestly.

“Nonsense! I don’t have anything planned, and I’d appreciate the company. Plus, I’m making apple pie,” I insisted.

“Apple pie? You should’ve led with that,” John joked as he walked in.

John is also a fantastic cook, just like my late husband. We spent the day cooking together, with John doing most of the work. I was simply grateful for the company. While we sat down for dinner, John finally asked about Angie.

“So, are Angie and the kids going to join us? I’d hate for her to think I was ambushing her or anything like that. I genuinely had no intention of staying, but I’m glad I did,” John said.

“Nonsense! You are the father of my grandchildren, which makes us family. And no, I don’t believe Angie will join us today,” I replied, feeling dejected.

“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. You shouldn’t be alone on your birthday,” John remarked.

“Well, thanks to you, son, I’m not alone,” I said, grabbing his hand. “Thank you, John.”

“No problem. If you don’t mind me asking, why didn’t she come? Or at least the kids? They love spending time with you,” John added.

“They were supposed to come, but Angie isn’t answering my calls. I honestly don’t know what happened, but I’m sure she’ll get back to me,” I said.

“I’m not sure what she has going on, but the least she could do is drop off the kids. I’ll give her a call,” John insisted.

John called Angie, and to my surprise, she picked up. John later told me why my daughter stood me up on my birthday.

“It turns out Angie, her new boyfriend, and the kids are all on vacation. She didn’t tell a soul!” John informed me, visibly upset.

“Vacation? And she didn’t tell anyone? Why would she do that?” I asked.

“Your guess is as good as mine, Patty. Where does she get off leaving with my children without saying a word?” John answered, equally perplexed.

“Oh, no. This is very disappointing. And, who is this fellow? I didn’t even know Angie had a boyfriend,” I said, feeling more confused.

“She’d mentioned something in passing, but a whole vacation? And apparently, they’d been planning it for about a month. Excuse me, Patty, but I believe your daughter’s taken things too far this time,” John said, exasperated.

“Yes, this is disappointing,” I said sadly.

That news hit me hard. The least Angie could have done was tell me she wouldn’t be around. Later, I had a chat with Angie. She promised to visit with the kids as soon as possible, but the damage was done. I will always love my daughter, but I was genuinely hurt.

Thankfully, John’s presence softened the blow somewhat. Yet, what Angie did left a deep wound. I’m at a loss on how to trust her now. What should I do in this situation?