Ben had built a thriving business from the ground up, defying the odds stacked against him since childhood. His early years were marked by neglect, but he had risen above his past to create a life of success. Yet, on a seemingly ordinary day at work, the past he had long buried resurfaced in an unexpected and jarring way.
Seated in his expansive office, Ben reviewed his company’s financial statements. His eyes widened in disbelief as he processed the numbers—his company’s revenue had grown by tens of millions. Overcome with joy, he reached for his phone to call his assistant, Jane, to arrange a celebration. But before he could dial, Jane burst into his office, her face etched with concern.
“Ah, Jane. I was just about to call you. The numbers look incredible. I think it’s time we celebrate. Please bring a few bottles of champagne and gather everyone for a toast,” Ben said enthusiastically.
Jane hesitated. “Of course, sir. But…”
“But what?” Ben asked, sensing something was off.
“Sir, your mother… She was seen living under a bridge not far from here.”
Ben froze. “What?”
“One of our security guards recognized her. She’s in a bad state. I think she’s been homeless for a while now,” Jane explained cautiously.
Ben took a deep breath, collecting his emotions. “Thanks, Jane. Let’s hold off on the champagne for now. But please, ensure everyone still gets a bottle and a gift bag as a token of appreciation. And get yourself something nice—you deserve it.”
“Thank you, sir,” Jane said before exiting.
As the door closed, Ben leaned back in his chair with a heavy sigh, memories flooding his mind. He was taken back to the beginning.
Ben had grown up in a small, cramped apartment, raised by his single mother, Ellen, after his father left. He had always felt like the forgotten child, overshadowed by his older brother, Simon. Hand-me-downs were all he knew, and he never had anything to truly call his own.
One day, hoping for a change, Ben approached his mother with a request. “Mom, there’s this outfit I really like. It’s on sale, so it’s not too expensive.”
Ellen barely glanced up from her phone. “Get that out of my face,” she said coldly. “Do you think money falls from trees? Go earn your own money if you want new clothes.”
Though her words stung, they sparked something in Ben. He decided to take her advice, determined to support himself. Within days, he found a job as a lifeguard and was thrilled to share the news with his mother. But when he returned home, excitement turned to alarm as he stepped into a smoke-filled kitchen.
“Mom!” he shouted, rushing to remove a burning pot from the stove. The fire was dangerously close to spreading. As he turned to find her, Ellen emerged groggily from her bedroom, a man’s shoes visible by her bedside.
“What’s with all the yelling?” she asked, noticing the smoke. “Are you trying to burn my house down?”
“I came home and found a fire almost breaking out!” Ben exclaimed.
“Oh. I must’ve forgotten the stove was on,” she said dismissively. “Help me open the windows.”
Ben took the opportunity to share his news. “Mom, I got a job as a lifeguard!”
Ellen barely reacted. “How much does it pay?” she asked, unimpressed.
“Not much, but it’s a start.”
“Money, Ben. We need money,” she muttered before disappearing back into her bedroom. “And make dinner. I’m not feeling well.”
Ben swallowed his disappointment, throwing himself into his job. One day, while off duty, he noticed a girl struggling in the pool. With no lifeguard in sight, he instinctively dived in and pulled her to safety.
“You saved my life,” she whispered, trembling.
“It’s nothing. Just doing my job,” Ben reassured her.
Moments later, her father, Brian, a wealthy businessman, arrived, embracing his daughter. “Thank you,” he said earnestly, pressing a generous reward into Ben’s hand.
Excited, Ben rushed home to tell his mother. But instead of pride, she only cared about the money. Eventually, she took every cent from him. “It’s time you start paying your way, Ben.”
His heart sank. A year later, Ellen remarried, and her new husband wanted Ben out. She obliged.
“Ben, you’re 18 now. It’s time for you to move on,” she said matter-of-factly.
Hurt but resolute, Ben packed his bags. With nowhere to go, he reached out to Brian, who offered him a job. Over time, he not only built a successful career but also fell in love with Brian’s daughter, Angie. They married, and Brian eventually entrusted him with the company.
Years passed, and his painful childhood became a distant memory. Until now.
As Jane led Ellen into his office, Ben barely recognized her. Stress and hardship had aged her beyond her years. She took in the luxurious space, finally acknowledging his success.
“Hi, son,” she said hesitantly.
“Hi, Mom. What can I do for you?” His voice was cold.
“I want to apologize,” she began, but Ben cut her off.
“This isn’t a good time,” he said, standing. “Security will show you out.”
He left the room before his emotions betrayed him, locking himself in the restroom where he finally let the tears fall. The past he thought he had buried was still raw.
Now, days later, he found himself standing under a bridge, staring at his mother—frail, homeless, and utterly broken. She looked up at him with tearful eyes.
“What happened, Mom?” he asked softly, draping his suit jacket over her thin shoulders.
Through tears, she explained everything. Simon had fallen seriously ill, and without enough insurance, she had sold her home to help pay for his treatment. But after being turned away by Ben, she had nowhere to go.
“I know I was selfish,” she sobbed. “I deserve this. But please, I only ask for help for your brother.”
As Ben listened, he struggled with his unresolved anger. Then, a note fell from his jacket pocket. It was from Angie.
His hands shook as he read it. His expression turned pale.
“Is everything okay?” Ellen asked.
Ben looked up. “You’re going to be a grandmother.”
Ellen gasped, covering her mouth before pulling him into a tearful embrace.
That day, Ben took his mother to a hotel and arranged medical care for his brother. While forgiveness wouldn’t come overnight, he took the first step toward healing. And in doing so, he vowed to be the kind of parent he never had.
Lessons from this story:
- Show mercy. Ben could have turned his back on Ellen, but he chose compassion over vengeance, breaking the cycle of pain.
- Learn to forgive. While forgiveness takes time, it is essential for moving forward. Ben understood that healing wouldn’t be immediate, but he created space for it to begin.
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