My name is Matteo. As a child, I thought our family was simple, but strong. We lived modestly, but there was warmth. My dad worked in his workshop, and my mom stayed at home and took care of me. I was their only child, and I believed it would always be that way.
But one day, everything changed. My dad lost his job, and even though I didn’t understand much at the time, I could feel the joy disappearing from our home. He became silent, and arguments started between my parents. At night, I often heard my mom yelling, doors slamming, and then silence—scarier than any words.
Later, my dad found out that my mom had been with someone else. Our home stopped being a place of peace. My dad left. I missed him every minute. And my mom… she just kept saying, “He abandoned us. Forget about him.” But I couldn’t.
One day, she woke up in a good mood — for the first time in a long while. “Pack your things, we’re going to the seaside,” she said. I was happy. I believed her. We took a bus, and at one of the stops, she said, “Wait here. I’m going to get some ice cream.” I stayed on the bench… and never saw her again.
Hours passed. It got cold. I called for her, cried, but she didn’t come back. Later, someone found me and took me to my dad. He came — in tears. He said, “Your mom left you. She’s not coming back.” I couldn’t believe it. But it was true.
My dad and I started a new life. A woman named Giulia came into our lives. She was kind and patient. Not right away, but in time, I accepted her. Eventually, I started calling her “mom” — because she was truly there for me. When my little sister was born, I understood for the first time what it meant to have a real family.
Later, my dad told me that on that day, my biological mother only called to give the address — and then she disappeared. The court took away her parental rights. No one ever heard from her again.
Years passed. I grew up, got an education, found a job, and bought an apartment. All that time, Dad and Giulia were there for me. They supported me in everything.
One evening, as I was coming home, I saw a woman sitting on a bench. She looked up: “Matteo… I’m your mother.” I barely recognized her. She had aged, and her voice felt unfamiliar.
I called my dad. He came with Giulia. He said, “Son, only you can decide what happens next.”
I looked at her and felt nothing. Just emptiness. “You’re not my mom,” I said. “You left. You abandoned me. I have a mom and a dad — and it’s them.” She cried, but I was calm. I asked her to leave.
Then the three of us hugged tightly. I whispered, “Thank you for being here. I love you.” And it was true.
Don’t abandon your children. They didn’t ask to be born. But they need love. I, Matteo, know this from my own experience. And I carry this truth in my heart every single day.
