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Old man sitting in a bed, staring out the window | Source: Getty Images
Old man sitting in a bed, staring out the window | Source: Getty Images

Rich Old Man Ignores Family until He’s One Step Away from Lonely Death – Story of the Day

Gabangaye Shongwe
Dec 27, 2022
08:00 P.M.

Henry was a rich yet lonely man. He had neglected his family for money, and this strained their relationship over the years. However, this would change after an unexpected visit from his nephew, Stephen.

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Henry was a wealthy entrepreneur. He had done well for himself in several business ventures. However, Henry's success came with the sacrifice of his family and personal life.

Henry loved money, and he always put it before anything or anyone else. He had started his company at a very young age, and now he was an elderly man. It had been the primary focus of his life for the longest time.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Getty Images

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Getty Images

His only girlfriend had left him because of his love of work and money many years ago, and he never had a serious relationship again. He tried to date here and there, but his work always took priority in his life, which made finding a partner near impossible.

Henry's brother died a few years ago, which was a major blow to Henry because they were close. Henry and his brother shared a unique bond, and he was one of the few people Henry felt he could be vulnerable with. So, the news of his passing hurt Henry deeply.

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"Yes, he is still breathing. But he is unconscious, and he is unresponsive. Please get here as soon as possible."

Henry's brother had always wanted Henry to know his nephews and forge a relationship with them. However, as usual, Henry was always too busy making money to care about that.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Getty Images

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Getty Images

He preferred to ignore his nephews and keep them at a distance. To make things worse, Henry's nephews weren't as financially secure as he was, making him ignore them even more. Henry was fine with being alone.

His nephews would always invite Henry to various family events, but he'd always ignore their invitations.

He'd always make up excuses. However, this time, when his assistant handed him a letter with an invitation to Christmas, he decided not to answer the invitation at all.

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On the eve of Christmas, Henry was in his house in his usual loneliness when he suddenly became ill and lost consciousness. At that very moment, Henry's nephew, Stephen, pulled up to the driveway.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Getty Images

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Getty Images

Stephen hoped to have his uncle join him and his family for Christmas dinner. Upon realizing Henry still hadn't replied to his invitation, he decided to go to his house and invite him over personally.

Stephen knocked at the door and rang the bell multiple times, but there was no response. He saw Henry's car in the driveway and knew he wasn't working during the holidays, so he began to worry.

He called Henry and heard the phone ringing from inside the house. At this point, his concern began to peak.

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"Was his uncle in some sort of danger?" he thought.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Getty Images

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Getty Images

Finally, he looked through the window and saw Henry unconscious on the floor. He immediately rushed in. Luckily, the door was unlocked. He called the ambulance as he ran to check Henry's pulse.

"If Stephen hadn't arrived when he did, you and I wouldn't be having this conversation right now."

"Yes, he is still breathing. But he is unconscious, and he is unresponsive. Please get here as soon as possible," Stephen yelled into the phone as he picked Henry up from the floor.

The ambulance arrived shortly after, and Stephen was at Henry's side all the way to the hospital. When Henry finally regained consciousness, the doctor explained that he had had a stroke.

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For illustration purposes only. | Source: Getty Images

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Getty Images

"You should really consider yourself lucky, Henry. If Stephen hadn't arrived when he did, you and I wouldn't be having this conversation right now," the doctor explained to Henry.

Henry was overwhelmed to wake up to Stephen, his other nephews, and their family all around him with flowers and gifts. As he looked around, he remembered how he had neglected him for the longest time, yet, now, in his time of need, they were all banded together to support him.

"Thank you so much, Stephen. And thank you to everyone for your support."

"I know I haven't been there for you, and I honestly don't deserve the kindness you are showing me," Henry confessed in tears.

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For illustration purposes only. | Source: Getty Images

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Getty Images

"Don't even mention it. We are family. You just promise us you'll be joining us for Christmas dinner tomorrow," Stephen said, warmly comforting his uncle with a hug.

Henry was utterly taken aback by the love he was receiving from his family. He had spent so much time and effort running away from them for so long that he hadn't realized he was running away from the very thing he needed.

The love he was experiencing at that moment was something you couldn't buy or sell. At that moment, he came to realize what he had been missing out on for the longest time of his life.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Getty Images

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Getty Images

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That Christmas, Henry finally had dinner with his family. He learned just how similar he was to his nephews. He felt guilty for not having given them a chance from the start.

After that, Henry revised his attitude toward the family. He apologized to everyone. They always celebrated all subsequent holidays together. They became closer over the years, and Henry even brought his nephews on board to help with his businesses. Henry was never alone again.

What can we learn from this story?

  • True happiness cannot be bought. Henry had all the money one could want, yet he was still lonely and unhappy. His joy finally came from reuniting with his loved ones.
  • Never give up on those you love. Stephen and Henry's other nephews had been constantly rejected by their uncle. And while Henry always declined their invitation, Stephen's persistence finally paid off in the end, and their family was reunited.

Share this story with your friends. It might brighten their day and inspire them.

If you enjoyed this story, you might like this one about an 82-year-old man who delivered pizza to pay for his grandson's treatment only to get an unexpected $20K tip.

This piece is inspired by stories from the everyday lives of our readers and written by a professional writer. Any resemblance to actual names or locations is purely coincidental. All images are for illustration purposes only. Share your story with us; maybe it will change someone's life. If you would like to share your story, please send it to info@amomama.com.

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