Monday, December 23, 2024

Dick Cavett interviews Raquel Welch on his show in 1972

Raquel Welch is undeniably one of the most beautiful women to ever walk this planet. But with so much focus on her looks and acting career, few have actually heard her speak from the heart.

That’s why, when I stumbled upon her appearance on The Dick Cavett Show, I couldn’t help but notice a surprising detail…

First, let’s take a moment to appreciate just how stunning and elegant Raquel Welch was in the early 1970s. No hair extensions, no Botox, her natural hair color, and not a tattoo in sight. She had a full figure, an intriguing personality, and a sharp intellect. In my opinion, Welch is definitely one of the most spectacular, gorgeous-looking women to ever grace our screens.

Underrated genius

In a captivating 1972 interview on The Dick Cavett Show, Welch’s timeless beauty and elegance become strikingly clear. At around 32 years old, she radiated charm as she settled into the chair across from Dick Cavett.

The American television host, who helmed The Dick Cavett Show from 1968 to 1988, was a master of his craft. He was a brilliant interviewer of film directors and his interviews of Welles, Hitchcock, De Palma, and Scorsese were like film school lessons.

Cavett had a genius for making his guests feel at ease, skillfully drawing out engaging and thoughtful conversations. This particular interview showed Raquel in a light many had never seen — beyond her famous looks, revealing things I had no clue about.

Broke her wrist

Welch’s appearance on The Dick Cavett Show was partly to promote her latest film, Kansas City Bomber.

In the movie, she starred as roller derby skater K.C. Carr — a woman trying to balance her desire for a happy personal life with her dreams of stardom.

The film featured plenty of intense scenes from the matches, and according to Raquel herself, she performed most of her own stunts, which took a toll on her.

Raquel explained that she had to learn how to skate from scratch for the role. The professional skaters in the film used a track with banked turns at a 45-degree angle, which added to the challenge.

Screenshot / Reddit

One day while practicing, she ended up breaking her wrist, forcing the production to postpone filming for about eight weeks. ”I had a lot of aches and pains for a long time,” Welch admitted.

Recognize the dress?

Those with keen eyes might recognize Welch’s stunning, blue dress from the interview with Cavett. In fact, it’s the very same iconic gown she wore to the Oscars just a few months earlier. Talk about a fashion statement!

Raquel was at the forefront of recycling and her Oscars gown wasn’t the only piece she repurposed. The stunning dress she wore to the premiere of The Godfather was the same one she donned at Elizabeth Taylor’s 40th birthday celebration in Budapest back in 1972.

Who knew Raquel was such a trendsetter, long before it became a buzzword? By the way, did you know that Welch’s wardrobe for public appearances was quite different from her personal style? The public always expected her to fulfill her glamorous image, and she did so flawlessly. However, when she was off the red carpet, Welch preferred simple pantsuits and comfortable attire.

Raquel Welch and American football player Joe Namath attend the Academy Awards together, Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Fotos International/Getty Images)

Humorous anecdote

For decades, Welch has been celebrated as a sex symbol, with much of the focus on her stunning physique. Yet, few people have had the opportunity to hear her speak candidly, especially on intellectual topics that reveal her depth beyond the iconic image.

During her appearance on The Dick Cavett Show, the One Million Years B.C. star opened up about the contrast between her glamorous on-screen image and her real-life experiences. The conversation touched on her public image and the expectations placed on her as a female actress in male-dominated sport.

Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images

Raquel shared a humorous anecdote from her experience promoting Kansas City Bomber, recalling an interesting press conference with sports writers.

“I had a really interesting press conference when I first came into town to promote the film with all the sports writers. And they said, gee, you know, you’re a nice-sized lady and all that, but you’re not exactly what I expected. And I said, I know I always seem to disappoint people if I walk in the door and the door hinges don’t splinter off, that type of come in with a machete or something.”

Some who saw her in person were surprised by her size — a petite 5 feet 5½ inches tall with a small-boned frame, elegantly complemented by broad shoulders and flawless olive skin.

Dick Cavett then chimes in, adding: “I know people walked in and they looked at you and their reaction was, there’s an attractive woman. But a number of them did not know it was you and they’d seen you on the screen.”

”Downright intoxicating”

Many viewers who have watched the interview afterward (available on YouTube) have remarked on Raquel Welch’s wonderful voice. It seems some have forgotten about it, given the overwhelming focus on her stunning images and posters throughout the years.

One YouTube user commented: ”She becomes even more attractive when she speaks, downright intoxicating!”

Another commenter added: “I love the way she speaks; there is something unique and also time-stamped about it.”

Another viewer noted: ”Raquel was not only stunning to look at; she had a wonderful voice and a captivating way of speaking.”

This detail reminds us that Raquel’s appeal went beyond just her looks; her voice added a captivating layer to her charm that resonates with audiences even today.

She was so articulate and well spoken!

Why was Raquel Welch so down-to-earth

Raquel Welch, who got her first name from a grandmother living in Bolivia, and her last name from a teenage marriage, called herself a product of middle-class America.

She never forgot her roots and always kept a foot in the part of society that wasn’t surrounded by the glitz and glamour of Hollywood.

”I’m pragmatic, but not without dreams of the things ideally should be,” she once said.

In her private life, Welch was often seen in relaxed, loose-fitting sweaters and classic blue jeans, with just a hint of eye makeup. Despite her immense fame, she had a sweetness and gentleness that made her feel approachable.

During her aforementioned interview with Dick Cavett, Welch came across as incredibly sweet, gentle, and down-to-earth.

Suffered from Alzheimer’s disease

Welch was undeniably one of the most spectacular and gorgeous women ever to grace our screens. Not even Kim Kardashian, with all her surgeries, could hope to compare to this beauty.

Raquel was truly something special, and we should be grateful to have experienced her brilliance. Tragically, she passed away from cardiac arrest on February 15, 2023, at her home in Los Angeles, at the age of 82. At the time of her death, she was also battling Alzheimer’s disease.

But let us remember this divine woman through her remarkable interview with Dick Cavett — a moment when Raquel Welch stood at the pinnacle of her c

Sunday, December 15, 2024

My Selfish Sons Could Not Wait for My Death, I Brilliantly Taught Them a Lesson — Story of the Day

After being told his mother, Rosa, was sick, Jake and his wife decided to move in with her, but it wasn’t a selfless choice. Jake had a chance to show his true character, but he was too weak to do what was right. That’s when Rosa had to teach him and his brother a hard lesson.

As the first light of morning struggled through their curtains, Jake and Lucy’s apartment was already alive with the day’s first argument.

“Jake, how many times must we discuss this?” Lucy’s frustration was palpable. Holding her half-finished coffee, she rushed around the kitchen in yet another hurried morning. “We’re barely making ends meet, and it feels like you’re not even trying to find a solution.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Shutterstock

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Shutterstock

Jake, who was seated at their second-hand kitchen table, felt defeated. His meager factory salary made their dream of a proper home seem like a pipe dream. “I am trying, Lucy,” he responded, pulling at his hair.

His wife sat down, her anger softening to concern. “But it’s not just the money. It’s like you’re not here, even when you are. We’re drowning, and you don’t see it,” she sighed.

His eyes met hers. “I hear you, Lucy. We’ll sort this out. Together,” he affirmed, reaching for her hand.

A sudden call interrupted their moment. It was Rosa, Jake’s mother. “I’m feeling very sick… Can you take me to the hospital? I don’t think I can wait any longer,” she begged in a hoarse voice.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Shutterstock

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Shutterstock

“Mom, can’t Ryan handle it?” Jake’s question was a shot in the dark; his brother was hardly reliable.

“I’ve tried him. No answer,” Rosa said thickly.

“Okay, Mom. I’m on my way,” he reassured her and hung up. Lucy’s momentary worries about money disappeared in the face of Rosa’s sickness.

At the hospital, Jake supported his visibly weakened mother. Ryan’s eventual appearance, nonchalant and late, sparked an immediate angry reaction. “You’re late,” he accused, unable to hide his frustration.

“Had some things to sort,” Ryan shrugged, which only made things worse. “What’s the big deal?”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Shutterstock

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Shutterstock

“The ‘big deal’ is Mom’s sick, Ryan. Seriously sick,” Jake retorted, struggling to contain his anger in the sterile hospital corridor.

Their argument was halted by Dr. Thomas’s arrival, bringing the focus back to Rosa’s immediate needs and care. The doctor outlined Rosa’s medication regimen. Jake hoped the hospital could keep her longer, but the costs were astronomical.

“Okay,” Jake sighed. “We’ll take care of her at home.” He made all the arrangements while Ryan stayed silent. But his brother had the gall to bring up the fact that half of Rosa’s house belonged to him.

“You’re just going to leave all the responsibility to me, and yet, you’re worried about her house?” Jake asked.

“That’s just how it is,” Ryan said coldly before leaving his brother alone to care for their mother.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Shutterstock

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Shutterstock

Jake had to call his wife and explain the situation, waiting for her to be even madder at him than that morning. “We need to move in with Mom for a while,” he said, and Lucy stayed silent for a few seconds.

“Okay. We’ll make it work. We always do,” she uttered at last.

Fortunately, while moving, they started looking at the bright side. They could save money by no longer paying rent, and it was very likely they would keep the house after Rosa passed.

However, the reality of caregiving was not what they expected. Everything felt overwhelming, and their actions became mechanical and strained. The atmosphere in the house turned tense, and it seemed like one or both of them would snap.

That happened one afternoon. After a particularly challenging day of managing medications, cleaning, and dealing with the myriad of Rosa’s needs, Lucy reached her breaking point.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Shutterstock

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Shutterstock

“I can’t do this anymore,” she said on the verge of tears. “I didn’t sign up to be a full-time caregiver. I feel like I’m losing my mind here.”

Jake was also tired, but he tried to find solace in unity. “Let’s work through this together. Think about the endgame,” he urged, but Lucy shook off his comforting hand.

Her patience had vanished. “No! I’ve had enough! It’s either your mother goes, or I do. I’m not a maid, and this isn’t what I envisioned our life to be. You need to decide what’s more important to you.”

This ultimatum left Jake torn. Facing his mother sometime later, he attempted to mask his despair. “Hey, Mom. How are you feeling?” he asked, hoping to sound upbeat.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Shutterstock

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Shutterstock

Rosa’s following words only deepened his guilt. “I’m so grateful for you and Lucy and how you’ve cared for me,” she said. Jake hung his head discreetly, knowing that his innocent, sick mom had no idea what he was thinking.

***

A few days later, they were driving to a new place. Jake had found a religious nursing home for the elderly online, viewing it as his only solution. On the way there, he told his mother the great parts about it. “They have professionals there. It might be better for you,” he said cheerfully.

Despite his attitude, Rosa sensed something was up. “But what about you and Lucy? Having family nearby… isn’t that important too?” she asked.

“We’ll visit often,” Jake promised, though he saw Lucy’s unsympathetic glance from the passenger side. Still, he continued to talk up the new place for Rosa’s sake.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Shutterstock

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Shutterstock

At the nursing home, Jake faced the administrator and licked his lips as he lied. “She… she doesn’t have anywhere else to go. We can’t provide the care she needs,” he said, avoiding his mother’s confused gaze.

Rosa, looking smaller and more vulnerable in the office chair, whispered, “But I don’t like it here, Jake. I want to go home.”

He reassured her. “You’ll be okay here, Mom. It’s a better fit. I’ll visit a lot, I promise.”

After settling his mother in her room, Jake encountered Dr. Thomas, who volunteered at this nursing home from time to time. The doctor asked about Rosa’s well-being, and Jake had to lie about the situation.

“She’s…recovering. Lucy and I are doing our best to take care of her at home. It’s just…the medications, they’re more expensive than we anticipated,” he said, avoiding the doctor’s eyes.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Shutterstock

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Shutterstock

Dr. Thomas immediately offered them financial support, and Jake accepted it because it would benefit everyone, but his guilt doubled tenfold.

Back at Rosa’s house, Jake tried to make things better by preparing Lucy a special dinner, and for a while, it seemed everything was alright. But Dr. Thomas called him only a few hours later. He had discovered Jake’s lies and that Rosa had been admitted into the nursing home and wasn’t at home recovering as he had said.

Jake stumbled through an explanation, only to learn from the physician that his mother’s condition had worsened, and she needed immediate hospital care. He was shocked and drowning in regret for a few seconds before taking action.

“Okay, Dr. Thomas. We’ll meet you there,” he managed to say, his voice barely above a whisper. After ending the call, he faced Lucy, her eyes wide with alarm. He couldn’t maintain his composure as he explained Rosa’s condition.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Shutterstock

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Shutterstock

They went to the hospital to meet Dr. Thomas, who went into further detail about Rosa’s health. “She needs an immediate operation,” he insisted, his gaze locking with Jake’s. “But if you’re not able to afford the surgery, we have to consider the option of turning off the life support machines. It would allow her to pass away without any pain.”

The doctor left them in Rosa’s room to discuss the matter, and Jake felt the tears falling down his face, but his mind was filled with the upcoming years of mounting debt. They might even have to sell the house to pay for everything. What would they do then?

His troubling thoughts were interrupted when Lucy broke the charged silence.

“This could be a blessing in disguise,” she began, speaking quietly. “Once the machines are turned off, we won’t have any more obstacles. The house will be ours, free and clear. All our problems will be solved. We’ll find a way to get Ryan to forget his half-claim on the property.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Shutterstock

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Shutterstock

Jake was appalled, so he stopped her calculative plans and countered with the idea of selling the house to fund the surgery. Unfortunately, Lucy wasn’t having it. She had given up any pretense of humanity.

“And then what? We go back to struggling every day, worrying about bills and debts? I’m tired of living like that. It’s either the machines or me. You have to decide,” she snapped another ultimatum at her husband.

Jake knew it was wrong, but he saw her logic, too. Finally, he went to the corridor and told the doctor their decision, although the words felt alien as if someone else was saying them.

Dr. Thomas’s disappointment was palpable. “Are you sure? This surgery could save her,” he pressed, his heavy brows wrinkling. His lips also pursed as if there was more he wanted to say.

But Jake had decided. “Yes,” he whispered and didn’t say another word.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Shutterstock

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Shutterstock

***

The lawyer’s office was tense as Jake, Lucy, and Ryan met to discuss Rosa’s estate around a month after their mother’s passing. Their greetings were brief. They all wanted to get things over with quickly.

Naturally, Jake and Lucy wanted the house, claiming that caring for Rosa entitled them to it in full. “We were the ones by her side,” he stated, avoiding eye contact, while his wife’s agreement was silent but firm.

“That’s rich, coming from you two. I know for a fact you weren’t around as much as you claim. I deserve my share,” Ryan scoffed.

The lawyer intervened, “Please, let’s be civil. Sit, and let’s discuss this calmly.” He finally started reading the will, which shocked everyone in the room: Rosa left her entire estate, including the house, to charity.

“This can’t be right!” Lucy protested.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Shutterstock

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Shutterstock

“You must be mistaken,” Jake added.

Ryan demanded, “Show us that will again!”

The lawyer stood firm. “Rosa wished her estate to go to charity. It’s all here, in her own words.”

But suddenly, the woman in question walked in, eliciting gasps and yelps from the room. “Mom! You’re… you’re okay?” Jake exclaimed, his chair falling in his haste to stand.

“I was never sick. This was all a test—a test you failed spectacularly,” Rosa revealed.

Jake stuttered, “But, Mom, we… we were just worried about you.” The others tried to say similar things, but the older woman knew the truth.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Shutterstock

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Shutterstock

Rosa dismissed their excuses, declaring her disappointment and final decision not to give them anything. “Don’t even try to explain anything. This is final.” She left the office, and the lawyer soon dismissed them all.

Outside, Ryan blamed his brother for everything. “This is all your fault!” But even worse, Lucy agreed with him.

“You know, Jake, Ryan’s right. You are an idiot… I can’t believe I wasted so much time on you,” she said coldly and walked away.

Slumping on the steps of the attorney’s office building, Jake realized he had lost everything, including his integrity. He could try to blame Ryan or Lucy for influencing his decisions, but in the end, he made them.

His weakness made him choose the wrong path, and it was time to face the consequences… completely alone.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Shutterstock

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Shutterstock

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If you enjoyed this story, read this one: Lili an elderly woman stumbles across a little kid. The boy named Harry asks her to take care of him and his friends. The foster family they live in is horrible, and the kids are living in poor conditions. Police return the boy to his foster parents, and Lily decides to save the kids by herself.

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.

Father Sends a Letter to Son Weekly for Years With No Reply, Suddenly Receives Photo from Him – Story of the Day

James writes letters to his estranged son, but no answer arrives for years. One day, his son Andrew sends a picture with a message demanding James stop trying to make contact. Unable to hold himself back, James drives to his son’s house to meet him, only to discover that Andrew might not live for long.

James was restless. Once again, it was another feeble attempt. James sighed deeply as he licked the stamp and stuck it on the envelope addressed to his son Andrew.

They had been estranged since James’ late wife’s funeral. Despite James’ attempts to mend his fractured relationship with his son, Andrew rejected all his efforts.

That day, James collected the piles of bills from his mailbox and sat back, throwing the envelopes on his coffee table. That’s when one particular letter caught his attention, and his heart leaped…

For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash

For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash

Rubbing his eyes, James tore open the envelope and pulled out a Polaroid.

“ANDREW!” a heartfelt whisper escaped James’ lips as he saw Andrew was smiling at the camera with one arm wrapped around his wife. Their two little sons stood proudly, flashing their best smiles.

James’ eyes grew moist, and hoped his son had finally forgiven him.

But when he flipped the picture, hoping to see a lovely message from his son, he got to see something else. Something that made the blood drain off his face.

“James, you’ll never be a part of this family. Stop sending me letters. And soon, nobody will be here to receive them at this address.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

“What? Are they moving somewhere?” James immediately thought.

Several thoughts haunted him. Andrew had reached out after years of no contact. James suspected something was still missing in the bigger picture and decided to meet his son.

Andrew lived an eight-hour drive away, and James was ready to take that drive.

The next day, James was driving on the highway. Long drives offer a chance to think about everything that’s happened in the past. The truth is, he could never blame Andrew for cutting all contact. It was James’ fault.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pixabay

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pixabay

Ten years ago…

“What the hell is going on over here?” a scream startled James, who had been fully focused…on a woman’s bosom.

With a racing heart, James sprang from his bed and pulled his pants up, quickly approaching a furious Andrew in the doorway.

“Andy, son, it’s not what you think… I…I was just….” James stuttered. “I can explain.”

“EXPLAIN WHAT?? That you’re in Mom’s bed…cuddling with your secretary?” Andrew barked and stormed out as James followed, his face reddened with embarrassment.

“Son, please don’t tell your mother. I’m sorry,” he begged.

“I’ll not tell Mom you were here, banging your secretary while Mom’s rotting away in the hospital bed,” Andrew seethed. “I’ll never tell her that her husband is a piece of SH—”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash

For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash

“Andy, I’m sorry. I…I was just…” James rushed an apology, unable to meet Andrew’s eye.

“Get out of my sight!” Andrew fumed. “I want you to go to Mom…and be by her side. You’ll hold her hand and tell her how wonderful she was. And this stays between us.”

Time seemed to play a cruel joke on Andrew, who lost his mother, Vivienne, three months later. As soon as the doctors declared her gone, Andrew threw his father out of the ward.

“I’ll deal with this…see you at the funeral,” he hissed.

Andrew gave a beautiful eulogy for his late mother, his words moving James and other guests to tears.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

It tore James apart, and he couldn’t believe how foolish he was to start an affair with his secretary when his wife was most vulnerable. His only solace was that his late wife never knew about his fling, and James promised to make amends with his son.

However, once the funeral was over and the guests left, Andrew approached his father with a cold expression that brewed tension in James.

“You’ll never see me again!” Andrew declared.

“Andy, please…no. Please don’t do this to me. Please give me a chance,” James pleaded.

But Andrew walked away and drove off as James watched him disappear outside the cemetery gate.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

A loud honk smashed James’ thoughts as he pulled up outside Andrew’s house and knocked on the door.

“Mr. Carson?” a woman answered the door. She was Andrew’s wife, who quickly recognized James, although they never met before. She had seen him in old family photos.

“You’re Andrew’s wife, right?” James asked her. “Can I please see my son?”

“Yes, I’m Ashley…please come in,” the woman replied. “I’m afraid you can’t meet Andrew. He’s not here.”

“Please, dear…I want to see my son and talk to him in person,” James said, desperation brimming in his eyes.

“Mr. Carson, I’m not lying. Andrew is not here.”

“Oh, where is he then? At work?”

“No…he’s at….the hospital,” Ashley disclosed, her revelation hitting James like a bag of bricks.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

Andrew was waiting for a transplant because both his kidneys had shut down.

“I’m afraid you can’t meet him,” Ashley continued. “He’ll not acknowledge your visit. We can’t add more to his stress because he’s already having a hard time. I can’t let you upset him.”

“No, please. My son is dying…and you’re asking me not to see him??” James argued. “I’m done waiting to talk to him for ten years. Let me speak to the doctors.”

Sighing heavily, Ashley agreed, and they immediately drove to the hospital.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash

For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash

At the hospital, Dr. Mullins had disheartening news about Andrew. “His body won’t support another round of dialysis,” he told James and Ashley. “We need to find a donor as soon as possible.”

After a long pause, James looked into the doctor’s eyes and cried, pleadingly folding his hands in prayer. “I’ll donate my kidney.”

“No, we can’t do that,” Ashley alarmingly chimed in.

“What?? Why not? I have to…I have to save my son,” James turned to her in shock.

“My husband and his father are estranged, doctor,” Ashley told Dr. Mullins. “It would upset him, and he’ll reject it if he learns his dad’s the donor.”

“I understand. But first, we need to know if Mr. Carson is a match. Moreover, Ashley, this might be your husband’s last chance,” Dr. Mullins explained.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

“But doctor…you said we could wait until we got a donor…and that Andrew was high up on the list. I don’t mind Mr. Carson offering to help. But it would lead to a huge problem, and I don’t think my husband will take it well,” Ashley expressed her worry.

“What if he doesn’t find out at all??” James interrupted.

“What do you mean?” Ashley turned to him, her brows furrowed.

“He doesn’t need to know who his donor is!” James added.

“But isn’t it illegal?” Ashley asked.

“No, Ashley, it’s not illegal. Let’s see if Mr. Carson could be a donor for Andrew.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

“Ashley, please,” James grabbed her arm. “I want Andrew to live a long, healthy life…and be happy with you and the kids. Just give me this one chance to help him. I’m not asking for anything more. Just this. Once the surgery is done, I’ll leave. I’ll not disturb him ever again.”

Although reluctant and unsure of the consequences, Ashley agreed. “Alright, let’s get the tests done.”

Fortunately, James was a perfect match. Mr. Mullins told Andrew they had found a donor. Surprisingly, Andrew didn’t even question and only thanked the “anonymous donor.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

Following the surgery, Andrew was discharged from the hospital 15 days later. As time wore on, his stats improved, and there were no signs of organ rejection.

A few more weeks passed. Andrew felt like a new man and was getting ready to return to work. But he was worried about Ashley.

“Honey, I’m perfectly fine now,” Andrew approached Ashley. “Didn’t you hear what Dr. Mullins told us when we visited the other day?”

“I hope everything goes well, Andrew,” Ashley said as she grabbed the mail stack on the coffee table. “I’ll just sort these things.”

“Wait, let me do it for you!” Andrew insisted. As he grabbed the papers, he swore suddenly.

“Another letter? This man can’t take a hint. Why can’t he just leave us alone?” Andrew hissed.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

“Are you talking about your father?” Ashley asked Andrew.

“Who else? He’s sent another letter. It’s some weeks old. But who cares? It goes right to the trash!” Andrew was about to toss the envelope in the bin when Ashley rose to her feet.

“WAIT! DON’T THROW IT….” she yelled. “READ IT!”

“What the hell? Stop screaming at me, Ash…you almost gave me a heart attack! And read this stupid letter? No way”

“HE’S THE DONOR, ANDREW. YOUR FATHER IS THE DONOR!” Ashley blurted out, freezing Andrew in his tracks.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

“WHAT??” Andrew slowed down in shock. “H-How did that happen?”

“I promised to keep it a secret. But I can’t anymore. I’m sorry for not telling you. Your dad…he visited some weeks ago. And donated his kidney when he learned you needed a donor and couldn’t find one.”

Andrew couldn’t process the revelation and scooted closer to Ashley. “It’s okay…I understand. It’s okay. Not your fault. If I had known he was the donor, I would’ve probably rejected it…because I still can’t forgive him,” he said, wrapping his arms around her.

“I know. But we all make mistakes. Your dad has been paying the price for his mistake for a long time. I think it’s time to let go of his mistakes and forgive him.”

After a long thought, Andrew hugged Ashley. “Maybe you’re right. But I won’t write him a letter. I’ll go see him in person.”

So they immediately hopped into their car and drove off to meet James.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash

For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash

Andrew’s fist pounded on his father’s door, but there was no answer.

“Dad…open up. It’s me!”

Moments later, a shrill voice interrupted from behind. “Hey, what are you doing there?”

Andrew turned around and saw an older woman in gardening clothes approaching him.

“I’m sorry if I was loud. This is my father’s house…and I came to see him,” Andrew said, descending the porch steps.

“You’re James’ son?” the woman asked, raising her eyebrows. “You don’t know?”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

“Know what?”

“James passed away,” the woman said. “I heard he got an infection from surgery and was admitted to the hospital. He died a few days ago.”

For years, Andrew thought his dad’s passing wouldn’t matter. For years, he grieved for his mother, telling himself she was his only parent. That emptiness could never be matched. But the void left in his heart that day told another story.

When Andrew was ready to forgive his dad and start a new chapter of their lives, his dad was gone.

“I’m too late…” he broke into tears.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

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Brothers Rick and James are shaken when their late Dad leaves his entire legacy to a little slum boy named Brady. Dead set on reclaiming his inheritance, Rick goes to extreme lengths and plans to lure Brady’s disabled mother. Here’s the full story.

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