My mom had a birthday, but because of work, I only remembered it three days later. Instead of calling and apologizing, I decided to go to her village in person and congratulate her. I bought a big bouquet, and instead of a gift, I decided to give her money.
But when I arrived at the house, no one was there. I knocked for a long time, but my mom didn’t answer. Her phone was turned off. The worst thoughts started rushing into my head. What if I never see her again? What kind of son am I if I can’t even call my own mother?
— Oh, what are you doing here? — I suddenly heard a very familiar voice behind me.
Continuation in the first comment 
My mom meant everything to me. When I married the woman I loved, mom gave us a large amount of money — she sold her plot of land and gave us her savings. Thanks to her, we were able to buy an apartment in a suburb of Kyiv.
Then I got caught up in life. Work, business, bills, clients. One day, I didn’t even notice that her birthday had passed. I realized it only three days later and cried out in frustration.
I rushed over just as I was — bought a huge bouquet, put money in an envelope, and went.
But the house was dark. I rang, knocked, nearly broke the door.
— Son, what are you doing here? — I suddenly heard behind me.
I turned — there stood mom with a shopping bag, a loaf of bread sticking out.
— Mom! I called you, but you didn’t answer!
— I dropped my phone in the well, — she waved it off. — Took it for repairs… but really, why do I need it?
— Mom, I… I forgot your birthday.
She smiled.
— What matters is that you’re here now. Come in, I have some cake, let’s make some tea.
She didn’t say a single reproachful word, didn’t ask why I remembered so late. She just poured me tea, asked about my wife, my work, my life.
I quietly slipped the envelope with money into her bag when she wasn’t looking.
When I was leaving, she waved to me from the porch, and suddenly I understood — everything I have rests on her shoulders.
And I promised myself: from now on, her shoulders will rest.
