On my 47th birthday, I set the table for three, though one chair remained empty. My daughter Karen hadn’t spoken to me in two years, and the silence was painful. But that night, a birthday card I found changed everything.
Brad noticed the extra plate and softly asked if it was for Karen. I nodded, my heart heavy.
The dinner smelled like home, but the empty chair reminded me of our distance. I called Karen, but she didn’t answer. Brad comforted me as tears fell.
Later, I found a birthday card Karen had written but never sent. Her words revealed her hurt and hope to reconnect.
I told Brad I needed to visit Karen’s father, Nigel, and he came with me. At Nigel’s house, I learned Karen had moved to Canada and changed her contact info.
Nigel gave me the card Karen left. Reading it brought hope.
The next day, I flew to Canada. When Karen opened the door, we embraced, and healing began.
