An older woman leading a solitary life in a nursing home unexpectedly receives visits from her relatives after inheriting a $2.3 million fortune, only for them to face karma and learn a lesson the hard way.
Lola Simpson sat in a wheelchair, admiring the small garden through the window of her room at Big Hearts Nursing Home. Yet another year had passed, but Lola’s life saw no significant changes. Her daughter, Natalie, and son-in-law, Roger, didn’t return her calls and didn’t bother to check on her again that year.
Exactly six years ago, when Lola was 80, her health began failing her. She needed assistance with the most basic tasks and could barely get things done on her own. Lola had always been a lively and cheery woman, but who could beat the effects of aging?
When Natalie realized she’d have to care for her ailing mother, she just kicked her out to live in a nursing home, then settled in her mother’s house with her husband. That time, Natalie very enthusiastically promised Lola that she would visit her often, but year after year, Lola just kept waiting and neither Roger nor Natalie showed up.
One day, Lola was very upset. She had a small family album that she’d brought with her when she was admitted to the nursing home, and as she was looking through the pictures of her and Natalie in them, her tears wouldn’t stop falling.
A young nurse named Mary saw Lola crying and her heart went out to the poor woman. She learned about Lola’s story and knew she had to do something to cheer her up.
“Mrs. Simpson,” she said, approaching her. “Can I help you? Are you okay?”
Lola shook her head, wiping her tears. “What do I tell you, darling? This year, my daughter didn’t visit me again. I’ve been waiting for her visit for six years now. Every year, my heart wonders if I’m wasting my time waiting for her. Will she even show up?”
Mary sighed, unsure of how to comfort the older woman. She had heard Lola’s story from the other nurses when she started working at the nursing home. She knew Lola’s daughter and son-in-law had evicted her from her home and had never visited her. She had to do something to cheer up Lola’s mood.
That night at home, Mary couldn’t take Lola out of her head. She was feeling terrible for the woman and had an idea in the back of her mind to help her. But for it to work, she needed to talk to her husband first.
“Josh,” she began while they were having dinner. “I know we have a lot on our plates with a small home and three children to look after, but there’s a woman at the nursing home where I work, and she’s really lonely. I was wondering if we could take her in.”
Josh lowered his fork and pursed his lips. “We can’t, darling,” he flatly refused. “We’re already straining to make ends meet. That would put us under too much stress.”
“But, honey, her family kicked her out. She has no one to care for her. Of course, the nurses are there, but she longs for a family. I’m not putting any pressure on you, but – “
“What did you say? She was kicked out?”
Mary nodded. “And her son-in-law and daughter never visited her after. She hopes they will come to see her someday. She’s been waiting for 6 years…I doubt they’ll come.”
At that point, Josh regretted refusing Mary. He remembered how his mother was all alone in her final days since he was too busy working to support his family and rarely visited her. Josh couldn’t bear the thought of someone else spending their final days in such grief and misery, so he agreed to Mary’s request.
Little did Lola know, her life was about to change in a way she never imagined. One day, she received a surprising phone call from a lawyer informing her that her estranged husband, who had passed away a few years ago, had left her a substantial inheritance of $2.3 million.
Lola was stunned. She had no idea her husband had amassed such wealth, let alone that he had made her the sole beneficiary of his estate. The lawyer explained that her husband had been estranged from their family for years, and this was his way of making amends.
As soon as Natalie and Roger heard about Lola’s newfound fortune, their attitudes towards her changed overnight. They immediately started visiting Lola at the nursing home, showering her with affection and attention. They even convinced her to move out of the nursing home and into her own home, which they conveniently “helped” her manage.
Lola was overjoyed to have her family back in her life, and she welcomed them with open arms. She had longed for their love and companionship for so many years, and now it seemed like her prayers had been answered.
However, the family’s true colors soon became apparent. Natalie and Roger quickly took control of Lola’s finances, using her money to fund their own lavish lifestyle. They made extravagant purchases, took expensive vacations, and even bought a new luxury car, all while Lola continued to live a relatively modest life in her own home.
As Lola’s health began to decline once again, Natalie and Roger became increasingly impatient and demanding, treating her with disrespect and neglect. They had no intention of actually caring for their mother; they were only interested in her money.
One day, Lola’s new neighbors, the kind-hearted Mary and Josh, noticed the mistreatment and stepped in to intervene. They confronted Natalie and Roger, exposing their true motives and greed. Ashamed and caught red-handed, the couple was forced to face the consequences of their actions.
After the documentation was done and Lola came to Mary’s home, she felt like her life had gotten another chance. Lola loved being around Mary’s kids, who called her “grandma,” and Josh and Mary welcomed her with open arms, showering her with the love and respect she had long been denied.
One morning, Lola received a letter that would alter the trajectory of her life. To her surprise, it was a notification that she had inherited $2.3 million from her estranged stepbrother, Morgan. This windfall was accompanied by a bittersweet twist – Morgan had promised their mother he would always look after Lola, and now, as he faced the end of his life, he wanted to ensure his sister was cared for.
Word of Lola’s newfound wealth quickly reached her biological daughter, Natalie, and son-in-law, Roger. The couple, who had previously mistreated and neglected Lola, decided to swoop in and reclaim their “rights” to her. But Lola, having found a true family in Mary and her loved ones, was having none of it, shutting the door in their faces.
Through Mary, Lola had found a priceless treasure: a loving family. In gratitude, Lola decided to leave her riches to Mary’s family after her passing. Meanwhile, she sued Natalie and Roger, reclaiming her rightful home. Lola’s health improved, and she was finally happy, surrounded by the people who truly cared for her.
This heartwarming story teaches us several valuable lessons:
1. Family Isn’t Always About Blood
Mary’s compassion and kindness toward a stranger in need proved that family can be found in the most unexpected places. Sometimes, the family we choose can be more meaningful than the one we’re born into.
2. Reaping What You Sow
Natalie and Roger’s attempts to reclaim Lola’s newfound wealth were met with well-deserved consequences. Their past mistreatment of Lola ultimately led to their downfall, a poignant reminder that we reap what we sow.
3. The Transformative Power of Love and Belonging
Lola’s journey from loneliness and neglect to finding a loving, supportive family in Mary and her loved ones is a testament to the remarkable impact of true belonging and acceptance. This transformation was the catalyst for Lola’s improved health and happiness.
Lola’s story is a powerful reminder that family is not defined by blood, but by the bonds of love, trust, and mutual respect. Through the kindness of a stranger, Lola discovered the true meaning of family and the incredible healing it can bring. This heartwarming tale serves as an inspiration to us all, encouraging us to embrace the family we find, rather than the one we’re born into.
