My Daughter Wouldn’t Speak to Me for Years, Until I Found the Birthday Card She Never Sent — Story of the Day

On her 47th birthday, widowed mother set table for three—empty chair for Karen, silent two years since she left Nigel unexplained. Brad lit candles; she wished, called—voicemail.

Night: old album, baby Karen gripping thumb. Regret: never told why she fled Nigel.

Next day: with Brad, confronted Nigel. Karen moved to Canada year ago with boyfriend; changed number. Nigel forgot card from last birthday.

Card: “Angry you left Dad… he pressured silence. I ran. Miss you. Love you. Address enclosed.”

Hope surged. Flew to Ontario. Door opened—Karen, older, eyes matching.

Embrace melted years. No words. Whole again.