A poor old lonely woman named Emma started receiving deliveries every day from an unknown source. She and her late husband never had children together, so she could not tell where these deliveries came from.
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When Emma Richards’ husband died seven years ago, she was devastated. She now had to live out the rest of her life alone, taking care of herself as she had no one else to do it for her.
She and her husband John didn’t have any children that could look after her. Every time Emma was asked why, she always just shrugged and avoided answering.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels
One day, while Emma was sitting in her bedroom watching TV, somebody rang the doorbell. She wasn’t expecting any visitors, so she decided to go check who it was.
As she opened the front door, a delivery man in his 40s stood there with several boxes. He was wearing a mask, so she could not see his face clearly.
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“Hello. I am not expecting a package from anybody. May I know who this is from?” Emma asked him.
“I’m sorry ma’am, but these packages were sent anonymously. Rest assured, our security checked them and they are absolutely safe. These are for you,” he said, placing the boxes on Emma’s table by the door.
“That’s strange… thank you, sweet boy,” Emma replied before shutting the door.
When the delivery man left, Emma opened the boxes quickly as she was curious about what was inside. In the first box, there were small household appliances like a new oven toaster, sandwich press, and coffee maker.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels
“Who would give me all of these?” she said to herself. She proceeded to open the second box, and there were beautiful clothes inside, as well as groceries.
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Every day, Emma started to receive more packages. It’d always be the same delivery man handing them over, so she decided to get to know him.
“What is your name, sweet boy?” she asked.
“My name is Ted Harrison,” the delivery man smiled. “Mrs. Richards, the sender requested for us to give you this. I’ll wait until you finish answering it,” he added, handing her an envelope.
Curious, Emma opened it and read it quickly. It said: Mrs. Richards, please let me know what you need for yourself, and I will grant them.
“Oh, I am dying to know who has been giving me all of these! Now that person even wants me to make requests!” she exclaimed.
“I’m sure the sender loves you very dearly, even though you don’t know who it is,” the delivery man smiled.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels
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Emma obliged and wrote what she needed. She didn’t want the person to spend a lot for her, so she only wrote down necessities.
Since that short and sweet encounter, Emma began to prepare quick snacks for Ted the delivery man. For an entire month, he went to her house, handing her parcels that had clothes, food, books, and other novelty items.
At one point, Emma started to get used to Ted’s company. He would spend time with her by eating snacks together and volunteering to do some housework that she couldn’t do herself.
However, one day, Ted didn’t come. Suddenly concerned, Emma decided to head over to the local post office to find him.
“Hello, can you please page Ted Harrison? I just have some donuts I wanted to give him,” she asked the young woman at the reception table. The young woman looked confused.
“I’m sorry, ma’am. There’s nobody named Ted Harrison who works here,” she replied.
“Oh… but he has been delivering my packages every day. That’s strange,” Emma said, suddenly disappointed. She did not know where to find Ted, and it upset her.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels
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She walked back home with so many thoughts suddenly going through her head. Who could this kind Samaritan be? Did I go to the wrong post office? Was Ted just pretending to be a delivery man?
As she got to her front porch, she was surprised to see a tiny box in front of the door. There, she saw a key and a note that read:
I learned the truth just a month ago when I decided to hire a private investigator to find out where I came from. I know you blame yourself and regret what you did. However, I want you to know that I don’t blame you and that I know you only had my best interest at heart.
You and your husband could not feed me, so you gave me up for adoption. I ended up in a wealthy family that treated me like their own, but something always felt lacking. I realized that was you, mom.
You’re lacking in my life, and I would love to spend more time with you. If you’d be willing, I recently bought a new house. I had a key duplicated for you in case you wanted to move in with me. Please, allow me to take care of you. With love, your delivery man, Ted.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels
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Emma was shaking by the time she finished reading the message. She had always longed to see her son before she died, and she couldn’t believe that it was him who found her. And that son turned out to be Ted! She couldn’t help but cry, all the guilt from her past catching up with her once again.
It was true what Ted found out about their past. Emma and John were on the verge of bankruptcy when they found out she was pregnant. They knew they wouldn’t be able to raise Ted in a good environment, so they put him up for adoption.
They left their son at an orphanage when he was only months old. With his belongings, Emma left a letter that explained why they could not raise him. The letter was anonymous, but after convincing the orphanage directors to disclose the contents of his adoption papers, Ted found Emma’s name.
Emma wanted to see Ted immediately. She prepared to leave her house to meet him, but someone knocked on the door. When she opened it, she saw Ted.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels
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“Hi, mom,” Ted said softly.
Emma started to cry. “I can’t believe it. My son,” she started sobbing. She pulled him in for a hug and refused to let go. “I am so sorry, sweetheart. I truly am. I wish you can forgive me,” Emma continued to cry.
“You don’t need to apologize, mom. I’m here because I want to spend more time with you. It’s not too late to start over. We can still be a family,” Ted said before breaking their long hug.
That night, Ted and Emma spent time together by packing her belongings in boxes. A truck was waiting outside, where they loaded her things so they could transfer them to Ted’s house.
There, Emma was surprised to see Ted’s wife and children. They were just as excited as Ted to welcome her into their home, and since then, Emma never had to be alone again.
What can we learn from this story?
- The past doesn’t have to define the future. Emma thought she’d never get to spend time with her son ever again until her son decided to search for the truths of his life that led him to find his biological mom. They ended up moving in together and starting anew.
- Forgiveness can be a beautiful thing. Instead of holding a grudge against his biological parents, Ted chose to forgive them. He even decided to introduce himself to his mom so as to build a relationship with her.
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My Son Brought a Woman My Age, Saying She’s Now the Lady of the House – They Didn’t Like the Lesson I Prepared for Them
It all started the day my son, Ryan, brought home a woman about 20 years older than him and announced she was moving in. At first, I didn’t say much, but I had a plan. Let’s just say, by the time they realized the weight of their actions, it was far too late.
For years, all I wanted was to see Ryan happy and settle down with someone who would love him as much as I did. That wish intensified after my husband passed away three years ago.
But little did I know my dream would come true in a way I could never have expected.
A woman in her house | Source: Midjourney
For most of my life, I’ve been lucky. I had a loving husband, two wonderful kids, and a home that was always warm and full of laughter.
My husband, Daniel, was the kind of man who knew how to make life feel steady and secure. When he passed away three years ago, it felt like the ground beneath my feet had crumbled.
Since then, I’ve done my best to keep moving forward, even though some days are harder than others.
A woman looking outside a window | Source: Midjourney
Bella, my daughter, has been a bright spot in my life. She’s always been my dependable, hardworking child. Even as a little girl, she took pride in doing her best at school.
It wasn’t a surprise when she graduated at the top of her class and landed a great job in another city. Bella’s single now, and while I sometimes wish she’d settle down, I’ve never had to worry about her.
She’s always been focused and capable.
A woman working on a laptop | Source: Pexels
Then there’s Ryan, my youngest. Ryan has always been a free spirit.
As a kid, he had zero interest in school. His world revolved around video games, comic books, and goofing around with his friends. Back then, getting him to do his homework was like negotiating with a stubborn mule.
But something changed when he hit his late teens. Maybe it was seeing his friends get serious about their futures, or he just realized he couldn’t play video games for a living.
A man holding a controller | Source: Pexels
Whatever it was, Ryan started putting in the effort. He eventually graduated with a diploma and landed a stable job.
He wasn’t going to be the next CEO of a tech company, but he was responsible and earning a paycheck, and that was enough for me.
Ryan’s big passion now is traveling. He’s always saving up for trips, exploring new places, and returning with stories of his adventures.
A man with a suitcase | Source: Pexels
It makes me happy to see him so excited about life, even though I secretly wish he’d spend less time planning trips and more time thinking about his future.
At 30, he’s still living at home with me, which I don’t mind. After Daniel’s passing, having Ryan around has been a comfort.
But like any mother, I want more for him. I want him to find someone who makes him happy. Someone he could share his life with.
A couple holding hands | Source: Pexels
After Daniel passed, that wish only grew stronger. Honestly, it’s not about wanting grandkids. It’s about wanting Ryan to have the kind of love and partnership I had with Daniel.
“Ryan,” I’d ask him every now and then, “Is there anyone special in your life?”
He’d laugh and wave me off. “Mom, you’ll be the first to know.”
I don’t know if I was the first to know, but he told me about it after returning from France.
He opened up during dinner one day.
A man sitting in his house | Source: Midjourney
“So, Mom,” he started, poking at his plate with his fork, “I met someone on my trip.”
“Really?” I looked at him. “Tell me everything!”
He told me her name was Lydia, and he met her in an art gallery in Paris.
“She’s smart, funny, and we just… clicked,” he said, his face lighting up.
“And what does she do?” I asked, eager to know more.
“She curates art collections for high-profile clients. She’s incredibly knowledgeable about the art world, and I love how passionate she is about what she does.”
A man standing in front of paintings | Source: Pexels
“She sounds amazing!” I exclaimed. “When can I meet her?”
“Not yet,” he replied, shaking his head. “I want to take my time, Mom. Get to know her better first.”
That was enough for me. For months, I dreamed about the day Ryan would introduce me to this incredible woman.
I imagined her as young, vibrant, and full of energy. I had no idea my expectations would soon shatter in ways I couldn’t have anticipated.
A woman standing in her living room | Source: Midjourney
Months after Ryan first mentioned Lydia, he came to me with a wide grin.
“Mom,” he said, standing in the doorway with his hands stuffed in his pockets, “I think it’s time you met Lydia.”
“Really? That’s wonderful, Ryan!” I clapped my hands together, already imagining the young, bright-eyed woman who’d won my son’s heart.
“She’s free this Friday,” he said. “Maybe we could all have dinner together?”
A man talking to his mother | Source: Midjourney
“Of course!” I agreed instantly. “I’ll make lasagna. Everyone loves lasagna.”
I wanted everything to be perfect, so I ensured everything in the house looked good.
I imagined Lydia would be bubbly and full of life, a younger woman who adored Ryan and would look up to me as a mother figure. I even pulled out my best dress and styled my hair, making sure I looked modern enough to keep up with the young couple.
A woman’s dresses | Source: Pexels
When Friday came, I could barely contain my excitement. The lasagna was in the oven, the table was set with my finest dishes, and I was putting the finishing touches on a salad when the doorbell rang.
“That must be her!” I called out.
Ryan jumped up to answer the door while I wiped my hands on a kitchen towel. I was super excited, but I froze as soon as I stepped into the living room.
Standing there was Lydia. But she wasn’t the young, fresh-faced woman I’d imagined.
A woman in her boyfriend’s house | Source: Midjourney
She was mature. Only five years younger than me, if I had to guess.
Her hair was perfectly styled, and she wore a sleek outfit that screamed sophistication. She looked more like a woman who should be attending a wine-and-cheese party with me than dating my son.
“Mom, this is Lydia,” Ryan said, beaming with pride.
“Hello, Celine!” Lydia greeted me with an enthusiastic smile, extending her hand.
“Hi,” I managed to murmur and shook her hand weakly.
A woman looking straight ahead | Source: Midjourney
Ryan didn’t seem to notice my shock. He led Lydia into the dining room, chatting about their day as if everything were perfectly normal.
I followed them in a daze, wondering if I’d stepped into some alternate reality.
As we sat down to eat, Ryan seemed eager to share their plans for the future.
“Mom,” he began. “I’ve been thinking, uh, Lydia’s going to move in with us.”
A man sitting with his family for dinner | Source: Midjourney
I nearly choked on my water. “Move in? With us?”
“Yes,” he said as if it were the most natural thing in the world. “It makes sense. She can help with the house, and we’ll save money by living together.”
I turned to Lydia, who smiled brightly.
“I think it’ll be wonderful,” she said. “I’d love to help out around the house and make things easier for you, Celine.”
I didn’t need help. I’d been managing the house perfectly well on my own for years. But before I could say anything, Ryan continued.
A man smiling | Source: Midjourney
“It’s not just about saving money,” he added. “I love her, Mom. I think she’s the one.”
I always felt happy whenever he talked about his love for Lydia, but this time, I felt disgusted. How could he be happy with a woman almost my age?
The rest of the dinner was a blur. I nodded and smiled, but my thoughts were elsewhere.
Later that night, as I lay in bed, I wrestled with my feelings. Should I tell Ryan how I felt? Would he listen if I did? Or would he push me away?
A worried woman | Source: Midjourney
One thought kept coming back to me.
If I opposed this, I might lose my son. After losing Daniel, the idea of losing Ryan was unbearable. So, despite my misgivings, I decided to let Lydia move in.
At first, everything seemed fine. Lydia was polite and respectful, and I tried my best to make her feel welcome. But soon enough, the cracks began to show.
It started with small inconveniences.
A woman smiling | Source: Midjourney
Lydia monopolized the bathroom every morning, leaving me with just a few minutes to get ready for the day. She used the groceries I bought but only cooked for herself and Ryan, never asking if I wanted to join.
The final straw came when she began redecorating. She swapped out my cozy floral curtains for modern, minimalist blinds and replaced my favorite armchair with a cold-looking leather recliner without consulting me.
Enough is enough, I thought. I need to talk to Ryan.
A woman standing in her house | Source: Midjourney
Later that evening, I voiced my concerns, thinking my son would understand them.
“Ryan,” I said as we sat in the living room, “I feel like I’m losing my home.”
Ryan sighed. “Mom, you’re overthinking this. Lydia’s just trying to make the house more comfortable for all of us.”
“Comfortable?” I asked, raising an eyebrow. “She’s turning it into a space I barely recognize.”
“Mom, relax,” he said. “She’s just trying to take charge of everything. It’s her way of showing she cares.”
A man talking to his mother | Source: Midjourney
“Celine, I thought you’d appreciate the changes,” Lydia chimed in. “The house needed a bit of an update.”
“It’s my house,” I said firmly. “And I like it the way it is.”
But Lydia wasn’t one to back down.
A few days later, she casually suggested over breakfast, “You know, Celine, you have a great basement. It’ll be perfect for you. Or maybe you could stay with your single daughter. You see, I need a room for my office so I was thinking we could take the master bedroom when you leave.”
A woman looking straight ahead | Source: Midjourney
“Excuse me?” I looked at her with wide eyes.
“Mom, it’s not a bad idea,” Ryan said. “Lydia needs space for her work, and you’ve been saying Bella misses you.”
I stared at them, unable to believe my son and his girlfriend wanted me to give up the home Daniel and I had built together.
I wanted to fight and tell Lydia to leave my house, but I didn’t. Instead, I did something they didn’t expect.
I signed the house over to Ryan.
A woman signing a document | Source: Pexels
A month later, my phone rang. It was Lydia.
“SO, THIS WAS YOUR PLAN?!” she screamed.
It turned out they had received the first batch of bills, including mortgage payments, utilities, property taxes, and more.
Lydia had assumed the house was fully paid off, and Ryan, as clueless as ever, hadn’t known we still had payments.
“Well,” I said calmly, “you wanted to be the lady of the house. Now act like one.”
A woman talking on the phone | Source: Midjourney
“You can’t do this!” she protested.
“Being a homeowner isn’t just about redecorating, Lydia. It’s about managing everything. You should’ve thought about this before asking me to hand over the house. Welcome to the real world!”
Lydia and Ryan begged me to take the house back, which I did. But the damage was done.
I’d learned a hard truth about my son and his priorities. And while I still love him, I’ve decided to start loving myself more.
A woman standing in her house | Source: Midjourney
If you enjoyed reading this story, here’s another one you might like: Jake finally introduces his girlfriend to his parents, only to discover that his father knows her. Or of her — revealing her secret life of dark restaurants and deals with businessmen…
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.
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