I am Evelyn Carter, a widow living alone in rural Missouri, my only daughter a thousand miles away in Boston. Through heartbreak, loneliness, and the quiet strength of my garden, I navigate the ache of separation—and learn what it means to hold onto hope and family, even when miles keep us apart. This story is about love, longing, and the resilience that blooms when we least expect it.
On the same rainy afternoon, my daughter Ariana and I both became victims of abandonment—her boyfriend left her by DM, and my husband ended our 20-year marriage via text. We found ourselves crying together in the kitchen, bewildered and broken, navigating the shock and aftermath as mother and daughter. Our pain collided, but through it, we confronted old wounds, family secrets, and what it means to truly support each other.
Recently, my only daughter, Emily, expressed her disappointment in me for not being able to provide her with financial support. Her in-laws, on the other hand, are always there to help them out. But how can I, a retired school teacher, be compared to her husband’s wealthy parents? I had Emily later in life, at the age of 42, after years of trying with my late husband
We sat together, my daughter and I, tears streaming down our faces. We had both been abandoned. Her boyfriend left her, and my husband left me, all within the span of two days. They were cowards, unable to face us. My daughter received a message on social media, and I got a text. A text! After 20 years of marriage. I didn’t even deserve a conversation. My husband left without a word
We sat and cried together. Both my daughter and I were abandoned. She was left by her boyfriend, and I was left by my husband. They were cowards. They didn’t even have the courage to tell us in person. Ariana received a message on social media. I got a text message. A text message! After 20 years of marriage. A pathetic text message. I didn’t even deserve a conversation. My husband left two hours later
