A widow’s self-esteem was at an all-time low after her daughter constantly put her down. One day, a man compliments her hair, prompting her to visit his home the following day with an engagement ring.
Olivia was a lonely widow who continued to mourn the loss of her husband, Dave. Dave was her best friend, and when he fell ill and eventually passed on, Olivia didn’t know how to continue living without him.
To try and ease her loneliness, Olivia would ask her daughter Amelia to meet her at the park every Wednesday. They would walk together and enjoy a nice dinner at a cafe.
Every time they’d meet, Amelia would always scold Olivia for her appearance. “Mom, you’ve let yourself go,” she’d say. “Why don’t you dye your hair? It’s all gray – it looks like you’ve completely given up on life.”
Olivia shrugged. “It’s not that I’ve given up, honey… it’s just that I don’t see the point! Your dad is no longer around, and there’s no one I need to impress. Besides, everybody’s hair turns gray eventually.”
Amelia shook her head. She believed that at 70 years old, her mother was still young and capable of finding love again. “You’ll never have another man look at you if you continue to let yourself go like that. Dad is gone, mom, but you? You’re alive and young! You could find love again, but not looking like that.”
Olivia was hurt that her daughter kept ridiculing her appearance. They would have the same conversation every week, which was starting to affect her self-esteem.
As Olivia walked back home alone, she couldn’t help but cry. Her daughter’s words hurt her, but it seemed as if Amelia didn’t mind. She’d continue to insult her mom every week without realizing it wasn’t helping her.
When Olivia approached the park entrance, she suddenly heard a man speak. She looked to her right and saw a janitor smiling at her while he swept the floor.
“I hope I’m not overstepping here, but I just wanted to let you know that your hair looks amazing! The silvers coming in really suit you,” he said with a smile.
Olivia couldn’t help but cry some more as she heard those words. “Really?” she asked the man.
The man nodded. “Why, yes, of course! Let’s admit it, not everyone looks good in gray hair, but it suits you perfectly. Your husband is a lucky man.”
“Thank you. You have no idea how much I needed to hear those words. I’ve been feeling a bit down about myself and was on the verge of giving up. Thank you for giving me the boost of confidence I needed. I’m Olivia,” she said, extending her hand so they could shake hands.
“There’s no reason for you to feel insecure about yourself. You look great! I’m Peter,” the man replied.
That night, Olivia spent a couple of extra minutes at the park talking to Peter. She realized she hadn’t spoken to anyone other than her daughter recently, and it was a breath of fresh air for her to be able to do so.
During their quick talk, Olivia found out that Peter was a single father of three after his wife left him for a wealthier man. “I didn’t finish college, so finding a job was difficult. The only place that accepted me was the park; that’s why I’m here,” he revealed.
Olivia asked the man where he lived, and he shared that he lived in a small trailer park nearby. She was concerned about Peter and his children, thinking there was no way his kids could live comfortably in a small trailer.