My granny is an angel who has been fighting cancer for as long as I can remember. A week ago, she had her final day at the hospital, and by tradition, she was supposed to ring a bell that all cancer survivors get to ring. It was a monumental moment, one that symbolized the end of a harrowing journey and the beginning of a new chapter.
When I arrived at the hospital with flowers in hand, I was shocked to see that no one else came! None of my siblings, not even my parents. I choked back the tears and smiled at my granny, reassuring her that they must have been planning something special in celebration for them not to be there.
Granny, always the optimist, smiled and said, “Oh, I’m sure they have something wonderful planned.” But I knew better. I knew my family had a habit of prioritizing their busy lives over what truly mattered.
As Granny rang the bell, the sound resonated through the hospital halls, bringing tears to my eyes. I hugged her tightly, whispering, “You did it, Granny. You beat it.”
After leaving the hospital, I checked our family’s group chat and asked where everyone was. Their responses were a mix of indifference and weak excuses. My brother claimed he had an urgent meeting, my sister said she had forgotten, and my parents mentioned they had errands to run. Their lack of empathy infuriated me.
I decided right then and there to teach them a lesson. As soon as we left the hospital, I took Granny to her favorite café for a celebratory lunch. We laughed, reminisced, and enjoyed each other’s company. I made sure to take plenty of photos, capturing her joy and triumph.
Later that evening, I posted the photos on social media with a heartfelt message about Granny’s incredible journey and her triumphant moment. I tagged every family member and expressed my disappointment in their absence. I didn’t hold back, making it clear how much their presence would have meant to her.
The reactions were swift. My siblings and parents called, filled with guilt and apologies. They hadn’t realized the significance of the day or how much it meant to Granny. They begged for a chance to make it up to her.
The following weekend, I organized a surprise party for Granny at her house. This time, everyone showed up. They brought flowers, gifts, and heartfelt apologies. Granny, being the kind soul she is, forgave them immediately, but I could see the hurt in her eyes.
During the party, I gathered everyone around and made a speech. “We all have busy lives, but we need to remember what truly matters. Family is everything, and we should never take each other for granted. Let’s make a promise to be there for each other, especially in the moments that count.”
The room was silent as my words sank in. My family realized their mistake and promised to do better. Granny smiled, her eyes shining with pride and love. “Thank you, dear,” she said, squeezing my hand. “You taught them a valuable lesson.”
From that day on, our family became closer. We made an effort to prioritize each other and cherish the moments we had together. Granny’s battle with cancer had been tough, but it brought us all together in the end. And for that, I was grateful.
