My name is Matteo. When I was a child, it seemed to me that our family was simple but strong. We lived modestly but with warmth. Dad worked in his workshop, and Mom stayed at home and took care of me. I was their only child and I believed that it would always be like this.
But one day everything changed. Dad lost his job, and although I didn’t understand much at the time, I felt the joy disappearing from our home. He became silent, and arguments began between my parents. Often at night I would hear Mom screaming, doors slamming, and then there would be silence – more terrible than any words.
Later, Dad found out that Mom was with someone else. Our home was no longer a place of peace. Dad left. I missed him every minute. And Mom… 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 time. “Pack your bags, we’re going to the seaside,” she said. I was happy. I believed her. We took the bus, and at one of the stops she said, “Wait here. I’m going for ice cream.” I stayed on the bench… and I never saw her again.
Hours passed. It got cold. I called her, I cried, but she didn’t come back. Then someone found me and handed me over 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 appeared with us. She was kind and patient. It wasn’t right away, but I accepted her over time. Over time I started calling her “Mom” – because she was really 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 my biological mother had called that day just to give me her address, and then she disappeared. The court took away her parental rights. No one heard from her ever again.
The years passed. I grew up, got an education, found a job, bought an apartment. All this time, Dad and Giulia were by my side. They supported me in everything.
One evening, returning home, I saw a woman sitting on a bench. She raised her head: “Matteo… I’m your mom.” I almost didn’t recognize her. She had grown old and her voice was foreign.
I called Dad. He had come with Giulia. He said: “Son, only you can decide what to do next.”
I looked at her and felt nothing. Only emptiness. “You’re not my mom,” I said. “You left. You left me. I have a mom and a dad – they are them.” She cried, but I was calm. I asked her to leave.
Then the three of us hugged each other 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 day.