Old Lady Gets Bullied By New Neighbors, Gives Them an Important Lesson
Folks who are older have learned a lot from life. They’re filled with tales to share, wisdom gained from experience, and a kind of strength that only comes from facing both happy and hard times. Sadly, they don’t always get the regard and honor they’ve earned from the younger folks in their lives.
After losing her husband of 50 long years, Jean Patterson made the hard choice to move nearer to her loved ones, hoping it would lead her to a new beginning. However, her expectations were far from meeting reality as her new neighbors seemed to have different plans. Unbeknownst to them, Jean had an ace in her pocket that was ready to flip the community dynamics completely.
Meet the Pattersons
Jean and Lou Patterson had been residents of Lockhart, Texas for the past five decades. They fell in love when they were in high school and started a joint venture together which, over the years, evolved and became a renowned establishment, standing as a symbol of heritage in Texas.
Jean and Lou, spending practically every single day together, had built a life that was intertwined in countless ways. Now, as Jean had entered her seventies, the thought of existence without Lou seemed unthinkable, almost something out of a nightmarish dream. Unfortunately, fate had bitter plans and a calamitous event unfolded, shaking their world.
Recently Widowed
During the cold winter months, Lou took a nasty tumble and had to be rushed to the hospital. As part of the normal hospital procedures, they ran some scans. Unfortunately, they discovered a severe brain tumor that had unfortunately spread throughout his body. The medical team could only give Lou medication to manage his pain and provide Jean with necessary emotional support as there was nothing more they could do medically.
Within only a few weeks of learning about Lou’s illness, Jean had him pass away right there with her, his hand in hers. It was unimaginable for her; she’d lost her life partner in the blink of an eye. Little did she know, her subsequent actions would only add to her sorrow and heartache.
Son’s Advice
Jean’s son lived far away from his family, in a suburb of Boston, Massachusetts. He was a busy man, making his living as a lawyer and seldomly getting the opportunity to stay in touch with his Texas-based family. Nonetheless, the sad news of his father’s death immediately spurred him into action. He instantly started overseeing his deceased father’s affairs. Additionally, he stepped in to ensure that his mother, who was now alone, would receive the care and help she needed.
He strongly believed that the wisest course of action for Jean was to leave the small town of Lockhart, and come to his neighborhood on the East Coast instead. Jean still had her independence, which meant she could live on her own, yet he preferred her to be close. Little did he know how wrong this decision would end up being.
Leaving Home
Even after the sad loss of her husband, Lou, the newly widowed lady wasn’t too keen on leaving her familiar surroundings in Texas. She had deep feelings of love for her hometown, feelings that were reciprocated by the townsfolk. Ever since Lou passed away, there hadn’t been a single day where a kind-hearted neighbor hadn’t dropped by her house, bearing comforting gifts of food or offering empathetic words of solace.
Despite her mixed feelings, she acknowledged the logic in her son’s idea, and realizing she didn’t really have any other options, she agreed. With the support of her nearby friends, she started boxing up the contents of her home, a place that was humble but deeply loved. After everything was packed, she took a lingering, emotional look at the home she held dear to her heart, and then began her journey to Boston.