You Only Have One Mother

(This story is based on a true story. Names changed)

"Mom, don't cry. You did your best," Rose told her as she placed her arms around her shoulders. "You even promised her $200.00 to help her for Christmas."

"How can she stay angry at me so long? I'm her mother." Mae snuffed as she wiped tears that were running down her cheeks.

"Don't worry, Mom. She's not your only daughter. I love you," said Rose, as she continued to hug her. "Remember, Mom, I will never go against you for anything."

"I know, Rose, you have always treated me well. You have never let me down. But, I'm sorry I caused Sophie to lose money, but she agreed with the scammers. We both agreed. We didn't know they were scammers. We thought they were a good, honest finance company. I still blame myself for causing her to believe those scammers. After we did what they wanted us to do, and got them gift cards, as they were sending us money through Sophie's bank account, her bank realized they were playing with her, and told her that all the money they sent her had to be paid back. I felt so bad I cried, and told her I would pay her my share, but she wouldn't believe me."

"I know, Mom. You're always trying to help one of your kids, in one way or another, and we shouldn't get angry at you when something goes wrong. So don't cry. If she loves you, she will be back. So, wipe your tears, Mom. Let me take you to get an ice cream to help you feel better."

On the way to the ice cream store, Mae still had Sophie on her mind and continued telling Rose everything that happened. She always had a hard life, and I always felt sorry for her. You always knew that, Rose, right?

"Yes, Mom. For her to act like this, she didn't deserve what you were trying to do for her."

"Well, I tried. Not only did the scammers let me down, but she did as well after trying to help her."

After sitting and eating their ice cream, Rose asked her Mom if she was ready to go home.

"I hope you feel better after getting out and having an ice cream treat."

"Yes, Rose, I enjoyed it. Thank you."

"You're welcome, Mom."

When they got home, something surprised them.

"Look who's here, Mom," Rose said to her mother with a grin.

"Who?" her mother smiled.

"Sophie, Mom," Rose said excitedly.

"Really? She must have a new car."

"Yes, she bought it not long ago."

"She has her licences now?" her mother asked.

"Yes. After she got her license, she got herself a car."

"Good for her. But why is she here? It's been a year, and I haven't seen or heard from her." Tears came to Mae's eyes.

"I told you, Mom, she would come back."

"Should I go into the house and welcome her?"

"That's where it seems she's heading."

"Oh, Rose, what should I say?"

"Just hug her and tell her you are so glad to see her."

"You're right. That's what I'm going to do."

When Mae stepped out of the car, she slowly walked toward Sophie. She looked her in the face and said, "Sophie, I have missed you so much." She started to cry.

Sophie hugged her, and she started to cry too, "I have missed you, too, Mom."

"I'm sorry, Sophie, for what I did to you. I thought you would never speak to me again."

"Mom, you're my mother, and not a day went by that I didn't think of you."

"Same here. Come inside. I have something to give you."

When they got inside, her mother said, "Wait here."

Mae went down the hall and into her bedroom. When she came out, she was carrying a brown bag that looked heavy. She walked over to Sophie, handed her the bag, then said, "Open it."

When Sophie opened the bag, her eyes got so big you'd have thought they would burst.

"What's this all about?" Sophie asked, looking up at her Mom.

"Remember a year ago when you were going to help me borrow money, and I told you I would give you $200.00, and then we realized the company we were dealing with was scammers?"

"Yes, but Mom, you don't need to do this. This is more than 200.00 dollars."

"I know it's $2,000. I wanted to pay you. I made a big mistake that caused you to lose money." Mae tried to hold back the tears.

Sophie got up from her chair to hug her. "Mom, you deserve this more than I do. The bill is paid, and we have no worries. "Please take it, Mom," she begged.

"No, this is to pay for all the heartache I put you through."

Her mother walked over to her. "I love you, Sophie."

"I love you, too, and Mom, the next time we have to be careful not to trust everyone."

“You're right.”

"Mom, I came over to get you and take you to my place, She looked at Rose, "Want to come, Rose?"

"No, thank you. You two need to spend time together. I have to get back home." She walked over to kiss her Mom. See you later, Mom.

"Okay, Honey. I love you."

"So, you're okay now?"

"Yes, thank you for being with me."

"Welcome, Mom. Anytime."

When Mae got to Sophie's, the kids were so happy that they ran to her and hugged her.

"I missed you all so much." She knelt to hug and kiss them.

Jackie looked at her and said, "Nice to see you again."

"Yes, it's been a while."

"I'm so happy Sophie forgave me."

"I told her she shouldn't hold anything against her mother."

"That's right because you only have one mother. Though I felt I didn't deserve it. I really missed Sophie. I'm so happy she came back and forgave me."

"No, don't feel that way. We all make mistakes. You deserved her forgiveness because she was also involved."

"Yes, and you know a mother would never do anything against her children."

"That's what I told Sophie, and I told her she will never find a mom who will try to do the best for her."

I wanted her forgiveness so much that I cried every night. I worried about her because I knew she had it hard, and she would have been pleased with the money because she needed it for Christmas."

"She explained it all to me, and I felt bad. That's when I told her to forgive you because you were doing it for her good as well as yours."

"True. When a mother knows she has hurt one of her children, it will bother her till it's made right."