Annie, 60, raised her son alone after his father left, working two jobs and sacrificing her retirement to help him buy a home. She lived by “family first”
and asked only for his time and care. Over the years, he visited only when he needed money or a babysitter for her beloved grandson, Noah, 8.
One night during Noah’s stay, he gifted her a child’s walkie-talkie so they could talk at night. Their chats became a sweet ritual.
One Friday, after returning Noah home, Annie forgot to switch it off. Later, she overheard her son telling his wife that Annie was exhausting,
should only come to babysit, and that past financial help didn’t mean she could “be in their lives whenever she wants.” His words broke her heart.
The next morning, she calmly told him she had overheard. He was embarrassed but didn’t apologize, calling it a “misunderstanding.”
From then on, Annie only helped for Noah’s sake. She still loves her son but realized love shouldn’t mean constant sacrifice for those who don’t value it.
She and Noah still end every visit with a walkie-talkie “Goodnight, love you”—a reminder that genuine love, however small, is priceless.