Mother's Test: Who Deserves the Inheritance?
Barton was an elderly widow, living alone in a quiet house that once echoed with the laughter of her children. Her three sons had long since moved on, each building a life of his own. They rarely visited, and she found herself fading into the background of their busy lives.
As time passed, Barton realized that she needed to make a decision about her estate. She wanted to leave her inheritance to the one who truly deserved it. But how could she determine who among them cared for her the most? She decided to put them to the test.
The First Visit: Testing Adam
Her first stop was her eldest son, Adam. She arrived at his doorstep, hoping for a warm welcome. Instead, she was met with indifference.
"Mom, you should have called first," he said, glancing at his wife, who stood behind him, arms crossed.
"I just thought I’d surprise you," she replied, forcing a smile.
Reluctantly, Adam let her in. His house was spacious and well-furnished, a stark contrast to the emptiness Barton felt inside. Over the next few days, she noticed how unwelcome she truly was. Adam and his wife were always too busy to talk, and she was often left alone in the guest room. Meals were eaten in silence, and she felt more like an intruder than a mother.
One evening, she overheard Adam and his wife whispering.
"How long do you think she’ll stay?" his wife asked.
"Hopefully not too long. We don’t have time for this," Adam replied.
Barton’s heart sank. She packed her things the next morning and left without saying much. Her test had begun, and Adam had already failed.
The Second Visit: A Disappointing Stay with Mark
Next, she visited her middle son, Mark. She had high hopes, but reality struck hard.
"Mom! What a surprise," Mark greeted her with an awkward smile. His wife barely acknowledged her presence.
As the days passed, Barton noticed how they treated her like a burden. She was given a small, uncomfortable space in the house and was expected to fend for herself. They rarely included her in their conversations, and Mark was always too busy to spend time with her.
One night, she overheard him talking to his wife.
"I love my mom, but she’s not staying forever, right?" Mark said.
"I hope not. We have enough on our plate," his wife added.
Barton felt a deep pain in her chest. Had she really raised children who saw her as nothing more than an obligation? The next morning, she left Mark’s house, her heart heavier than before.
The Final Visit: A Ray of Hope with James
With a broken heart, Barton made her final visit to her youngest son, James.
When he opened the door, his eyes lit up. "Mom! I’ve missed you!" He hugged her tightly, something the other two had failed to do.
James’ wife welcomed her warmly, setting up a comfortable room for her. Over the next few days, Barton felt something she hadn’t felt in a long time—love.
James spent time with her, taking her for walks, asking about her health, and making sure she was comfortable. His children gathered around her, eager to hear her stories. She felt valued, not just as a mother but as a human being.
One evening, Barton sat with James on the porch.
"Mom, you don’t have to leave. Stay as long as you like," he said sincerely.
Tears welled up in her eyes. She had found her answer.
The Final Decision: Who Deserved the Inheritance?
Barton returned home, her heart filled with a mixture of sorrow and relief. She had tested her sons, and only one had passed.
She revised her will, ensuring that James would inherit everything. He hadn’t known he was being tested. He had simply been himself—a loving, caring son.
When her time finally came, Adam and Mark were shocked to learn they had been left with nothing. But Barton’s decision was clear.
"Love and respect cannot be bought," she had written in her will. "They must be given freely. James understood this. He is the one who deserves my legacy."
And with that, Barton’s story became a lesson—a reminder that true family is defined not by blood, but by love and care.
