I DECIDED TO VISIT MY NEIGHBOR FOR HER 90TH BIRTHDAY, BUT WHAT I DISCOVERED UPON ENTERING HER HOUSE DEEPLY MOVED ME
I DECIDED TO VISIT MY NEIGHBOR FOR HER 90TH BIRTHDAY, BUT WHAT I DISCOVERED WHEN I WENT INTO HER HOME DEEPLY MOVED ME.
A week ago, she celebrated her 90th birthday. Although we were not particularly close, we shared moments of conviviality from time to time. We often chatted about various topics, and sometimes, she told me fascinating stories from her life. During one of our conversations, she had mentioned that her birthday was coming up.
She lived alone, her husband having long since passed away, and her children living in other cities. Hearing about her birthday, it was clear that she was not planning a big celebration.
Despite this, I decided to visit her, thinking that a small gesture from me could brighten her day. I wanted to bring her a cake and share a nice moment with her, while waiting for her children to have the opportunity to see her, they who visited so rarely.
When I arrived at her house, the scene that greeted me left me speechless. Continued in the comments link. 
The house was spotless, and a pleasant smell of baking was spreading in the air. My neighbor seemed to be waiting for someone, but the room was deserted.
She was sitting in her armchair, in front of the television, visibly absorbed in her thoughts. As soon as she saw me, her face lit up, and she warmly invited me to sit down. The table, carefully prepared, suggested that she was expecting the presence of several guests. But I quickly understood that no one from her family had come.
As we talked, she confided in me that no member of her family had called her that day. Neither her children nor her grandchildren. It upset me.
I stayed longer than expected, trying to keep her company and keep her sad thoughts away. She offered me some of her homemade food, and I did my best to keep the conversation going. However, as I left her house, I could not sleep that night.
This experience deeply challenged me: often, we take the people close to us for granted, without realizing how crucial it is to give them attention. It is essential to take the time to see our parents, to call them regularly. Because one day, it could be too late.