Caring for the elderly can be mentally exhausting, even if they're your loved ones. Not everyone can handle all the stress and work that comes with it.
One Russian lady knows this story too well. After spending several months taking care of her, Anna's grandchildren gave up on her and moved to another city, leaving her by herself in her tiny home.
Anna Petrovna
Anna Petrovna was a 70-year-old Russian lady who had been plagued with many infections and diseases that made her life difficult.
When she realized she couldn't take care of herself anymore, she asked her relatives for help. Little did Anna know that she would soon be left to fend for herself.
At The Beginning
At first, they took great care of her and never left her side. Anna felt lucky to have her grandchildren and family friends in the same town.
But then, one day, they suddenly took off, leaving her to die alone, but she had the last laugh in the end.
They Took Care Of Her At First
For a few months, Anna was well taken care of by her grandkids and family friends.
However, she didn't know that behind all the smiles, and fake laughs were a growing irritation they felt while caring for her.
She Was A Burden To Them
She felt more like a burden than a loving grandmother to them, and it wasn't long before they gave up on her.
One day, they announced they were moving to another city and wouldn't be able to look after her anymore. Anna was devastated, but she saw it coming.
Moving To A Big City
During this time, many Russians who lived in rural areas began moving to bigger cities such as St. Petersburg and Moscow to find more opportunities and a better life.
Anna's grandchildren also wanted to move to a bigger city, but they didn't want to bring her with them. So, they decided to go without her.
Leaving For Moscow
One day, they told Anna they were leaving for Moscow, and they wouldn't be able to bring her with them. This meant that Anna would have to fend for herself in her tiny home in Volgograd.
They promised to visit her every year and send her letters. However, Anna's grandchildren knew that there was a big chance they would never see her again. Still, they were determined to move and start a new life in the city.
Thinking Of Her
While living in Moscow, Anna's grandchildren often thought of her and hoped she was doing well.
When the time to visit her came, they rushed to her city, preparing for the worst-case scenario. As they stepped inside her home, their jaws nearly dropped to the floor...
She Was Alive And Healthy
Anna was standing in front of them, happy and looking very different from how they remembered her. What had happened to her?
She explained to them that she had fully recovered from the illness and was now in much better shape. Then, she showed her grandchildren something that shocked them to the core.
She Made Some Changes
Anna had also made some changes in her home. As her grandchildren entered, they noticed that she had gotten rid of some of her furniture and brought in new items.
Her house looked modern and different. So, how did she manage to do it?
She Created A Beautiful Garden
Anna explained that while they were living in Moscow, she made some changes to her house and lifestyle. Not only had she remodeled her home, but she had also created a beautiful garden and sold fruits and vegetables for a profit in the market.
Then, she renovated her home with the money she earned from selling fruits and veggies. In addition to her new occupation, Anna also made a new friend who stood by her side this entire side.
A New Friend
When her grandchildren left, Anna's neighbor started checking up on her daily. She was a fellow grandmother herself and understood what it felt like to have no one to talk to.
She was the one who convinced Anna to go to the doctor and treat her illness. How did her grandchildren react to the news?
They Felt Guilty
They were filled with guilt and regret as they listened to Anna's story. Her grandchildren felt horrible for leaving her behind, knowing how sick and weak she was.
Fortunately, Anna made a new friend who encouraged her to seek treatment for her disease and change her life. After hearing her story, they decided to stay in Volgograd and spend more time with her. And during their visit, they met the woman who helped Anna get back on her feet.
Doing A Good Deed
Her friend told them how Anna had also given away some of her produce to charity organizations and fellow villagers who couldn't afford it.
Anna had become a source of inspiration for other residents, but there was one important lesson she would preach to everyone she met.
An Important Lesson
The elderly woman explained that this difficult period in her life taught her how to survive alone and not give up and how important it is to have people who care about you.
Anna encourages others to enjoy every second of life because nothing is permanent.