When it comes to family, oftentimes the people who aren’t related to you are your true kin. Blood doesn’t make someone your family, but kindness and loyalty do! Today’s story, which was originally inspired by readers of AmoMama, is about learning to create boundaries of self-love. It’s never too late to make yourself the most important person in your life, with your true family’s support right behind you.
True Love
Bonnie was overwhelmed with joy when she discovered she was pregnant. At the age of 43, she never expected to be a mom, but her and Mikey had always hoped. When little Amy was born, Bonnie knew for the second time in her life what true love really was. She had unconditional love for Amy, and she would do anything in the world for her.
Bonnie and Mikey lived on his family’s old cherry farm. It was a large property that was fully paid for, and the family didn’t have many needs that weren’t met. Amy grew up on that farm and Bonnie was her best friend during her childhood years. When it was time for school, Bonnie made sure Amy had the best education money could buy. Even though they weren’t wealthy, Mikey’s farm provided them with a comfortable life.
Pavel Danilyuk – Pexels
When Amy was in middle school, Mikey passed away suddenly. He was only 60-years-old, and Bonnie was devastated. She and Amy survived off of the nest egg that was put aside, and it was enough to help them get by.
Off to College
Amy grew up to be an incredibly smart woman. She earned a full scholarship to an Ivy-league university, and Bonnie was so proud of her. It was at that university where Amy met Matthew.
He was a professor at the school, and he and Amy immediately had a connection. Matthew came from a prestigious background, with his family hailing from Scotland. Even though Amy grew up on a run-down cherry farm, she learned proper manners from her friends and had a world-class education. Matthew’s family loved Amy and never knew where she came from, or that her family wasn’t wealthy.
While Amy was away at college, Bonnie started to grow lonely. The cherry farm started to become overgrown, and she was too old and fragile to take care of things on her own. So, Bonnie spoke to her longtime best friend, Clare. Clare had been Bonnie and Mikey’s neighbor for nearly 50 years. They grew up together, and Bonnie was close to Clare’s family as well. She called Clare’s son, Phil, to come help on the farm. He was more than happy to help.
For the next few years, Phil always came early in the morning to check on Bonnie and started clearing the farm. During the day, Clare would stop by and she and Bonnie would have lunch. It was a nice feeling to be loved again.
This continued the entire time Amy was in college and for a few years after. During those years, Bonnie and Amy kept in touch but never really saw each other. Bonnie knew Amy was ashamed of her and thought she would embarrass her new husband, Matthew.
Self-Love
One day, out of the blue, Amy phoned Bonnie to let her know that she was a grandmother. Bonnie was overjoyed and asked when she could come and see the newborn.
“Well, that’s what we need to talk about, mom…”
“What do you mean, Amy? I’d love to be able to hold my grandchild, this is exciting news!”
“Matthew and I think it’s best if we raise our child with his family in Scotland. They have a mansion, and they eat incredible foods. It’s just a better option for us. We’re leaving in the morning. Bye mom.”
Absolutely devastated and heartbroken, Bonnie put her phone down and cried. Phil was still there, tidying the farm, and heard Bonnie sobbing. She explained everything to him, and a tear rolled down his face as she spoke.
“Ma’am, my mom and I love you to death. My kids are my whole world, so I know how much this must pain you. But I want you to know something…”
“What’s that?”
“You will always be my family. I know I’m 36 years old, but I’m hoping you can be my family too.”
Just then, Bonnie looked up and had the most amazing idea. She knew Phil and his kids were struggling while living with Clare in her tiny house. There wasn’t enough room for all of them there, and the rent was increasing every month. Bonnie told Phil that he and Clare, and all of his kids, should move into the farmhouse with her.
“It was lonely before, but this farmhouse needs a family in it. Since we’re all family, you should all move in here.”
So, they did! Bonnie discovered that having Phil and her new family in her farmhouse filled her with a sense of love that she hadn’t felt in decades. They were never ashamed of her, or embarrassed by her, and every day she learned how to love herself more and more.
This story was inspired by an original piece of fiction that first appeared on AmoMama. Any similarities between this story and actual people is purely coincidental.