I’m a 58-year-old mom, and my daughter Hannah and I haven’t spoken in years. We live only about a half-hour apart, but our relationship has been strained for a long time.
Last week, everything changed. Out of the blue, Hannah called me, crying and in pain. “I need to go to the hospital right now!” she said urgently.
I was overwhelmed and hesitant. Years ago, when I needed her, she hadn’t been there for me. The old wounds were still fresh. So I told her no—I couldn’t come, and that she had to manage on her own. I suggested she take the kids with her or ask a neighbor instead.
Hannah begged me, “Mom, I’m in so much pain, and the kids are asleep. I don’t want to drag them to the ER.”
I was frustrated and cold, reminding her she was an adult and had to handle things herself.
My husband, overhearing, stepped in and called Hannah to say he was coming to help. I was angry with him for going against me, but he said, “How could you turn your back on her like that? This isn’t who you are.”
The next morning, I found out Hannah had emergency surgery due to complications from childbirth. She’s recovering now but refuses to speak to me. My husband is distant, and even my own son expressed disappointment with how I handled it all.
Now, I’m filled with regret. I thought I was being practical, but I realize I made a huge mistake.
Was I wrong to refuse her? The guilt weighs heavy, and I don’t know how to fix this broken bridge between us.