I gave everything I had, including my retirement fund, to my son, whom I raised alone. However, my grandson’s simple toy revealed the heartbreaking truth of how little that meant to the boy I brought into the world. This story is for you if you have ever made a sacrifice for someone you love.

You give your all to others, believing that love will be enough to win their love in return. However, there are instances when that love only makes it simpler for them to exploit you. My name is Annie. I’m sixty. And my life has been centered around the idea that family comes first.

Our only son, Thomas, was seven years old when my husband died. To make ends meet, I took any job I could, including waiting tables, cleaning toilets, and pulling doubles.

Now, my grandson Max is four years old. Even my worst days are brightened by his gravelly little laugh and the fluffiest curls. His hands were sticky from snacks when he tottered over with one of his plastic walkie-talkies just last week.

“Grandma Annie, this is for you!”

I chuckled. “Darling, what’s this for?”

in order for us to speak at night! Simply press the button and utter my name!

Grinning, I fastened it to my apron. “Dear, I adore it.”

Like a koala, he clung to my legs. I could hear Lila calling him from across the wall. We share the same hallway and squeaky boards at Skyridge Apartments, where we live next door.

Five years ago, during Lila’s pregnancy, I assisted them in purchasing that property. They smiled tearfully as they looked at me.

They said it was so Max could grow up near his grandmother.