“My Brother Dedicated His Life to His Kids, But When He Fell Ill, They Never Came to See Him”
My brother, John, was always the kind of person who put others before himself. When his wife, Laura, left him for a colleague from work, he was devastated. They had been married for ten years and had three beautiful children together: Emily, Michael, and Sarah. Despite the heartbreak, John decided to dedicate his life to raising his kids on his own. He never wanted to enter a new relationship, fearing it might disrupt the fragile balance he had managed to create for his family.
John was an educated man with two college diplomas. He had studied culinary arts and business management, which made him an excellent chef and a savvy manager. He worked tirelessly in various cafes and restaurants, often taking double shifts to ensure that his children had everything they needed. From the latest gadgets to the best clothes, John spared no expense when it came to his kids. They thanked him but always seemed to ask for more.
As the years went by, John’s health began to deteriorate. The long hours and constant stress took a toll on him. He developed chronic back pain and high blood pressure, but he never let it show. He continued to work hard, believing that his sacrifices were worth it for the sake of his children.
Emily, Michael, and Sarah grew up and went off to college. John was proud of them and supported them financially as much as he could. However, once they left home, their visits became less frequent. They were busy with their own lives, and John understood that. He never complained and always welcomed them with open arms whenever they did come home.
One day, John fell seriously ill. He was diagnosed with a severe heart condition that required immediate surgery. He was scared but tried to stay positive. He called his children to let them know about his condition, hoping they would come to see him. Emily was busy with her job in New York, Michael was traveling in Europe, and Sarah had just started a new internship in California. They all promised to visit him soon but never did.
John underwent the surgery alone. The recovery was tough, and he struggled with loneliness and depression. He missed his children terribly but didn’t want to burden them with his problems. He continued to send them money and gifts, hoping that they would appreciate his efforts.
Months passed, and John’s health continued to decline. He was in and out of the hospital, each time hoping that his children would come to see him. But they never did. They were too caught up in their own lives to realize how much their father needed them.
One evening, John passed away quietly in his sleep. His neighbors found him the next morning and informed his children. Emily, Michael, and Sarah were shocked and filled with guilt. They realized too late how much their father had sacrificed for them and how little they had given in return.
John’s funeral was a somber affair. His children stood by his grave, tears streaming down their faces as they remembered the man who had dedicated his life to them. They vowed to honor his memory by being better people and never taking their loved ones for granted again.