She Devoted Her Retirement to Cooking for Her Son and Daughter-in-Law, Only to Be Disappointed

Victoria had always been the heart of her family, especially when it came to the kitchen. Her homemade pies, stews, and cakes were the highlights of every family gathering. When she retired three years ago, she looked forward to spending even more time doing what she loved most—cooking for her family.

Her son, John, had recently married Ariana, a young lawyer with a hectic schedule. Victoria noticed that the couple often resorted to takeout meals due to their busy lives. Concerned about their health and well-being, Victoria saw an opportunity to ensure they had nutritious, home-cooked meals. She started preparing extra portions of everything she made, packing them up, and sending them over to John and Ariana’s place.

At first, John and Ariana were appreciative. They enjoyed the comfort and taste of Victoria’s cooking, and it seemed like a perfect arrangement. Victoria felt fulfilled, knowing she was taking care of her son and his wife just as she had when he was a child.

However, as weeks turned into months, Victoria began to notice that her calls to John and Ariana were often met with hurried responses. They seemed less enthusiastic about the meals, and sometimes, Victoria would see untouched containers of food she had sent over the previous week. Concerned, she decided to visit them one weekend to find out if everything was alright.

Upon arriving, Victoria was surprised to find her daughter-in-law’s sister, Chloe, at the house. Chloe was going through a tough divorce and had moved in temporarily with John and Ariana. Victoria was happy to see Chloe but couldn’t shake off a feeling of unease.

During the visit, Victoria watched as Chloe packed up most of the food she had brought into her own bags. Ariana explained that since Chloe was having a hard time, they thought it best to give her the food Victoria had made. They assured Victoria that they still loved her cooking but just couldn’t eat all of it themselves.

Victoria felt a sting of hurt. She understood the need to help Chloe but felt sidelined and unappreciated. Her efforts to look after John and Ariana seemed to be redirected without her consent. The realization that her cooking was no longer serving its intended purpose left her feeling used and disregarded.

The following weeks were tough for Victoria. She reduced the amount of cooking she did, feeling less motivated. The joy she once found in her kitchen activities had diminished. She tried to express her feelings to John, but he reassured her that everything was fine and that she shouldn’t worry.

As time passed, Victoria’s visits and calls became less frequent. She felt a growing distance between herself and her son’s family. The warm, close-knit relationship she once cherished seemed to be slipping away, replaced by a polite, superficial interaction.

Victoria’s retirement, which she had envisioned as a time filled with family and love, had taken a lonely turn. She still cooked, but now it was mostly for herself. The family gatherings were fewer, and the laughter that once filled her home during meal times had quieted. Victoria learned a hard lesson about expectations and the complexities of family dynamics, leaving her to find new ways to seek fulfillment and happiness in her golden years.