After a difficult delivery, Olivia’s mother became comatose, but she woke up years later, not realizing how long it had been. She hated her daughter for everything that happened until she saw something on Olivia’s computer.
“Dad, can you tell me what happened back then?” Olivia asked her father once again. Heath had always been reluctant to tell his daughter this story, but she was old enough to know now.
“I met your mother the night I saw her performing for the first time. Renata was the best ballerina this town had ever seen, and I had to meet her. I thought she would reject me, but she didn’t. We started dating immediately,” Heath reminisced.
Olivia visited her mother constantly for 17 years. | Source: Shutterstock
“What happened?”
“I really wanted a child after we got married, but she would have had to give up her career. Eventually, Renata agreed, and we were so happy. When she was about 7 months pregnant, the doctors told us that she had a big spinal problem,” Olivia’s father continued.
“Oh no!”
“Yeah, honey. It was bad. They told her it would be better to induce her labor then and try to repair it. You were born premature but healthy and thriving. Unfortunately, Renata’s surgery was complicated. The doctors said she pulled through, but she never woke up,” Heath said sadly.
Doctors couldn’t explain exactly what happened. | Source: Pexels
“They didn’t explain why?” Olivia asked.
“No. They said that she could wake up any minute. That’s why we visited her so often. I’ve been waiting, but it doesn’t seem like it will happen. I’m losing hope,” her father added.
“No, dad! She’ll wake up! She’s my mom!” Olivia exclaimed. Coincidentally, the doctor called the next day, as Renata had miraculously awakened.
“How is this possible, Dr. Green?” Heath asked when they arrived at the hospital.
“There’s no explanation right now, Mr. Haney. We’ll have to run some tests, but there might never be an answer,” the physician answered.
Heath wanted to see Renata before she met Olivia. | Source: Pexels
“Honey, let me go in first. Remember, she doesn’t know that 17 years have gone by,” Heath told Olivia. She agreed and stayed back, although the teen girl was dying to talk to her mother after all these years.
Heath walked into Renata’s room. “My love! You’re here! Why am I so tired? Did the surgery go well?” she wondered and hugged Heath. He didn’t know how to answer her questions but settled on hugging her back.
“Where’s the baby? Can I see her?” Renata wondered.
“Yes, darling. But you might be a little surprised,” Heath began. “Olivia, can you come in here, please.”
Olivia greeted her mom happily. | Source: Pexels
Olivia stepped into the room, and there she was. Her mother was sitting up on the bed and smiling. She had been dying to see this after so many years of talking to her sleeping form. “Hello, Mom!” Olivia said.
“What is this, Heath? Is she the nanny? Where’s our baby?” Renata asked in confusion, frowning when Olivia called her “mom.”
“No, darling. It’s a long story,” Heath started. He explained everything to Renata slowly, and at first, she refused to believe it.
“No! You’re lying! This is a prank! That’s impossible!” Renata yelled and cried. “Get that girl out of my room and bring me my baby!”
Renata didn’t want anything to do with her daughter. | Source: Pexels
“Renata, calm down, please,” Heath said. But just then, Renata saw herself in the mirror. She saw all those 17 years on her face, and any chance to be the best ballerina in the world was gone now. She went quiet.
After a few days, the doctor cleared her to go home, but Renata refused to speak to Olivia. Olivia did everything around the house, hoping to please her mother. “Mom, what do you want for dinner?” she asked one evening.
“Don’t call me ‘mom.’ I don’t want anything from you,” she replied disdainfully and went upstairs. That night, she made Heath have dinner alone with her, while Olivia stayed in her room. Over the next few days, Renata treated her daughter worse.
Renata made messes that Olivia had to clean. | Source: Pexels
When Olivia cleaned, Renata purposely made another mess like cracking a raw egg on the kitchen table, which Olivia had to clean again. “Why are you doing this to me?” Olivia asked.
“I’m not doing anything. I just don’t want you in my house,” Renata said nonchalantly.
“I’m your daughter!” Olivia wailed.
“That’s what Heath says, but I don’t care! I don’t want you here! You need to leave now!” Renata added angrily. She walked into Olivia’s room and decided that the girl had to leave immediately. She started packing her things until she saw her computer.
She looked through Olivia’s computer and discovered heartwarming videos. | Source: Pexels
She started clicking stuff and discovered a folder named “For Mom.” It was a collection of videos Olivia made dedicated to her. She was there in the hospital on Renata’s birthday. She talked about missing her mom and how she couldn’t wait to see her wake up.
It brought tears to her eyes and she suddenly grieved all the years she had lost and how she blamed her child for it. “Mother! Why are you packing my things? Is this revenge for what happened when you got pregnant with me?” Olivia exclaimed when she entered her room.
“No, baby. I’m so sorry! I shouldn’t have blamed you. None of this was your fault! Waking up from a coma and discovering everything was overwhelming. I love you!” Renata cried. They both hugged and started to build a relationship right there.
Olivia practiced ballet, and Renata was her teacher. | Source: Pexels
Eventually, Renata opened her own ballet studio, and Olivia started taking lessons directly from her mother.
What can we learn from this story?
- You can’t blame others for what happens to you. Sometimes, freak incidents happen, and there might not be someone to blame.
- Pregnancy is a serious matter. You have to research thoroughly before taking that important step because it can derail your life and plans.
Share this story with your friends. It might brighten their day and inspire them.
If you enjoyed this story, you might like this one about a woman who refused to care for her mother in her old age.
This account is inspired by our reader’s story but written by a professional writer. All names have been changed to protect identities and ensure privacy. Share your story with us; maybe it will change someone’s life.
I Taught My Dad a Real Lesson after He Humiliated My Mom
When an 18-year-old college student, Brittany, feels the pangs of homesickness, a simple call to her little brother, Ian, reveals a family in turmoil. Overwhelmed by her mother’s silent struggle under her father’s constant criticism, Brittany decides it’s time for a lesson in gratitude and teamwork.
Feeling homesick is a funny thing; it sneaks up on you when you least expect it, wrapping its cold fingers around your heart and squeezing tight until you’re gasping for the warmth of home.
That’s exactly how I, Brittany, felt, being away at college for over three months. It was the longest I’d ever been away from home, and each day stretched on endlessly without the familiar chaos of my family’s presence.
A young girl using her smartphone | Source: Shutterstock
One day, overcome by a wave of nostalgia, I picked up my phone and dialed Ian, my ten-year-old younger brother. He had always been the beacon of innocence and joy in our family, and just hearing his voice could make any bad day better.
“Hey, bug,” I greeted, using my childhood nickname for him. “I miss you a ton. How’s my favorite little man doing?”
Ian’s voice, a mix of excitement and surprise, came through the phone. “Britt! I miss you too! College is so far away. When are you coming back?”
We talked for what felt like hours. Ian’s endless questions about college life and my attempts to describe my mundane routine in the most exciting way possible filled the gap between us. Yet, despite the laughter and shared stories, a nagging feeling tugged at my heart when I finally steered the conversation toward home.
A smiling young boy | Source: Getty Images
“So, how’s everything back there? Mom and Dad doing okay?” I asked, trying to sound casual.
There was a slight pause, a hesitation in Ian’s voice that I hadn’t expected. “It’s okay, I guess. I really wish you could come visit, though.”
His words, innocent as they were, sent alarm bells ringing in my head. Ian was never one to mince words, but something in his tone suggested there was more he wasn’t saying. That night, I lay awake, the conversation replaying in my mind, my homesickness now mixed with concern.
Determined to shake off the uneasy feeling, I managed to wrap up all my pending college projects ahead of time, packing my bags for an impromptu trip home. The thought of seeing my family again, of hugging my little brother and sharing a meal with my parents, filled me with a rush of excitement I hadn’t felt in weeks.
A rear view of a college student carrying a backpack back home | Source: Shutterstock
The trip back was a blur of anticipation and anxiety. What was Ian not telling me? Why did his voice carry a weight it never had before?
Stepping into the familiar chaos of my childhood home was both a relief and a shock. The house, with its walls echoing laughter and arguments, welcomed me back with open arms. Yet, it was during one of these typical family evenings that I overheard Dad’s sharp voice cutting through the usual din.
“…And why is dinner cold again, Megan? Can’t you do anything right?”
The words stopped me in my tracks, my heart sinking. I peeked into the kitchen to find Mom, her back to me, shoulders slumped as if carrying the weight of the world.
Angry husband standing in the background blaming his wife | Source: Getty Images
Ian caught my eye from where he sat at the kitchen table, his expression a mix of discomfort and resignation. It was a look I had never seen on his face before, and it chilled me to the bone.
Later, when I found Ian alone in his room, I closed the door behind me and sat beside him on the bed. “Hey, bug,” I began, my voice soft but firm. “What’s been going on with Dad and Mom? I heard him earlier…”
Ian shifted uncomfortably, his gaze dropping before meeting mine again. “Britt, it’s been… tough. Dad’s always on Mom about something. Like, if dinner’s a bit cold or if he finds a single speck of dust on the carpet. It’s like, no matter how much Mom does — cooking, cleaning, laundry — Dad finds something to complain about.”
A tired woman washing dishes in the kitchen | Source: Shutterstock
Hearing Ian articulate it, the reality of the situation hit me hard. The idea of my vibrant, tireless mother being reduced to the target of such constant criticism was unbearable. Something clicked in me right then — a resolve to make things right, to show Dad the enormity of his actions.
So fueled by indignation, I hatched a plan. A plan that, I hoped, would make Dad see the error of his ways and bring some much-needed appreciation and balance back into our family dynamics.
The first part of my plan involved a dramatic, though deceitful, act. I waited until I knew Dad would be at home, took a deep breath to steady my nerves, and dialed his number.
A senior man talking on the phone | Source: Shutterstock
“Hello?” Dad’s voice came through, a note of surprise in his tone.
“Dad, it’s me,” I began, my voice shaking to feign distress. “I’m at the ER. It’s… it’s bad. I need Mom here with me.”
The panic in his voice was immediate. “What? What happened? I’ll get your mom and we’ll be right there —”
“No, Dad, just send Mom. Please. I… I need her,” I cut in, hoping my act was convincing enough.
After a moment of hurried assurances and panicked questions, Dad agreed, and I hung up, my heart pounding not just from the lie but from what I had to do next.
A young woman sending a text message from her smartphone | Source: Shutterstock
I quickly composed a message to Mom, explaining my ruse. “Mom, don’t worry, I’m not in the ER. But Dad thinks I am, and he’s going to tell you to come. Don’t. I’ve booked you a ticket for a little vacation. You deserve a break. Let’s show Dad what you juggle every day.”
My fingers hovered over the send button before I pressed it, sealing our pact of deception and hope.
Mom’s response was a mix of concern and incredulity, but ultimately, she understood the desperation behind my actions. “Are you sure about this, Britt? What about you and Ian?”
“Trust me, Mom. It’s time Dad learned. Ian and I will be fine. Enjoy your break, you deserve it.”
A woman talking to her daughter while standing near the door | Source: Shutterstock
The next day was a whirlwind. Dad’s calls came in, each more frantic than the last, begging Mom to return. Playing her part, Mom promised to come back “in the evening,” stoking Dad’s hope and desperation further.
But when evening came, it wasn’t Mom who walked through the door; it was me. Dad’s face went pale, a mix of confusion and relief battling within him as he took in my healthy appearance.
“Where’s your mother?” he asked, the strain evident in his voice.
“She’s taking a well-deserved break,” I stated firmly, stepping over a toy car in my path. “It’s just you and me for the next few days. And we need to talk, Dad.”
A person standing in a messy room | Source: Shutterstock
As I surveyed the chaos of the house — clothes stained with today’s adventures, toys scattered like landmines — I saw something I never thought I would: defeat. Dad sank into a chair, the image of a man overwhelmed by the world he had taken for granted.
“I didn’t realize how much work this was,” he admitted, his eyes taking in the disorder around him. “I can’t keep up with everything.”
“That’s the point, Dad,” I said, sitting down across from him. “Mom does this every day, without a single complaint. She’s the glue that holds us together, and she deserves far more than being criticized over a cold dinner or an unclean carpet.”
The days that followed were a revelation for Dad. Under my guidance, he began to see the intricacy and the effort behind the seamless running of our household. From laundry to cooking to managing Ian’s never-ending energy, Dad got a firsthand experience of Mom’s daily life.
A stressed aged man sitting on a sofa | Source: Shutterstock
When Mom finally returned, she found a home that, while not perfect, brimmed with appreciation and newfound respect. As she stepped through the door, her eyes taking in the slightly disordered but peaceful scene, Dad approached her, his demeanor one of humility and newfound understanding.
“Megan,” he began, his voice softer than I’d heard in a long time, “I can’t begin to express how much I’ve missed you, but more importantly, how much I’ve realized the weight of what you do for us every day.”
Mom paused, her expression guarded but curious. “Paul, what’s this all about?”
“These past few days have been… enlightening,” Dad admitted, taking her hands in his. “I never fully appreciated the endless tasks and challenges you face daily. You manage them with such grace and efficiency. I’m sorry for not seeing it before, for not helping more, and for every unwarranted criticism I ever made.”
A happy senior couple hugging | Source: Shutterstock
Mom’s eyes softened, a hint of moisture gleaming as she squeezed his hands back. “Thank you, Paul. That means more to me than you know.”
Meanwhile, Ian and I shared a glance, a silent celebration of the success of our plan. Later, as the evening settled down, Ian and I found a moment alone.
“Britt,” Ian said, a grin spreading across his face, “we did it, didn’t we?”
“We sure did, bug,” I replied, ruffling his hair affectionately. “Thanks for being brave and honest. We make a pretty good team, you know.”
Ian’s smile widened, pride evident in his eyes. “Yeah, we do.”
A father hugging his daughter | Source: Shutterstock
Later, Dad pulled me aside, a seriousness in his gaze. “Britt, I owe you an apology — and a thank you. What you did… it was a tough lesson, but one I needed to learn. You’ve shown me the true meaning of family and teamwork.”
I hugged him, feeling the barriers of misunderstanding melt away. “It was a team effort, Dad. We all learned something valuable.”
As our family gathered that night, the atmosphere was different — lighter, warmer, more connected. We talked, we laughed, and for the first time in a long time, we truly listened to each other. The episode that had started as a desperate attempt to bring about change had blossomed into a beautiful lesson in respect, teamwork, and love.
Reflecting on everything, I realized that our family, like so many others, had its flaws and challenges. Yet, it was our willingness to confront those issues, to learn and grow from them, that truly defined us.
A happy mother hugging her two children outdoors | Source: Shutterstock
The chaotic days that had seemed so daunting at the beginning had indeed turned into an invaluable lesson in love and respect, one that would guide us forward, stronger and more united than ever.
Do you think I did the right thing?
If this story struck a chord with your heart, here’s another one for you:
Meredith’s typical weekend turned extraordinary when an unexpected discovery by her mother, Camilla, brought her world to a standstill.
With her life seemingly as snug and predictable as a well-worn sweater, Meredith, a 32-year-old mother and wife, believed she had a firm grip on her reality. Her husband, Dave, had always been her rock, their bond strengthening through each of life’s trials. However, life’s penchant for unpredictability was about to be laid bare.
A husband kissing his wife on the cheek | Source: Unsplash
As Meredith prepared for a rare moment of relaxation, an urgent call from her workplace shattered the calm, dragging her away on a weekend. Dave, caught in the throes of sleep after his night shift, remained unaware of the unfolding drama.
Meredith’s call to her mother, seeking help with the children, seemed innocuous enough — a simple request from a daughter to her ever-reliable mother. Little did she know, this act set in motion a series of events that would challenge the very essence of her marriage.
“Hello?” Meredith answered her phone, only to be met with her mother’s frantic urging, “You have to divorce him immediately!” The shock, palpable through the line, was compounded by Dave’s background protests and her mother’s adamant accusation.
An outraged elderly woman talking on the phone | Source: Shutterstock
“I found women’s underwear in his pocket — women’s underwear! He’s been lying to you all this time!” Camilla’s discovery and subsequent demand for immediate action left Meredith reeling, a torrent of emotions clashing within her.
As Meredith’s world teetered on the edge, the drive back home was fraught with turmoil. Her mind raced, grappling with the implications of her mother’s discovery and the fear of what awaited her. The tension that greeted her upon arrival was palpable, a silent testament to the upheaval that had taken root in her absence.
What followed was a confrontation laden with emotions, accusations, and desperate explanations. Yet, the specifics of this exchange, the revelations shared, and the decisions made in its aftermath remain shrouded in mystery.
A wife being mad at her husband in their living room | Source: Shutterstock
What truths lay buried beneath the surface of Meredith and Dave’s marriage? Click here to find out what happened next.
This work is inspired by real events and people, but it has been fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details have been changed to protect privacy and enhance the narrative. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.
The author and publisher make no claims to the accuracy of events or the portrayal of characters and are not liable for any misinterpretation. This story is provided “as is,” and any opinions expressed are those of the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.
Leave a Reply