Woman Ignores Letters from Man She Left 53 Years Ago, Visits Him Once and Finds a Ruined House — Story of the Day

A woman declines her former lover's invitation to meet after 53 years, but when she discovers some of his old letters, she changes her mind and visits him—only to find his house in ruins.

A 76-year-old woman named Bessie Walsh was once a lively and joyful person. However, after her husband Edward died of cancer three years ago, she became sad and lonely.

Bessie's marriage to Edward lasted 45 years. They had two daughters and a lovely house in a friendly neighborhood. When Edward passed away, she was left heartbroken and on her own.

Her daughters, Stephanie and Cassandra, were married and living abroad. In her later years, Bessie mostly looked at photo albums of her children and remembered when they were young. She often spent evenings searching through her closet for old albums and sitting for hours looking at pictures.

One evening, she was trying to find a family album when she found a pile of envelopes hidden under an old crate in the corner. She brushed off the dust to see what they were and accidentally dropped one, revealing a letter.

She carried everything into the living room and put on her glasses to read. As soon as she opened the first letter, her heart started pounding.

"Hi Bessie,

This is Troy. I’m sorry, Bess. I understand you're upset, but please let me explain. What you saw wasn’t true, I swear. I have only loved you. I won't look at anyone else the same way. Please meet me today at the Red Rose Café at 5 p.m. I’m in your town. I want to explain everything. I promise.

With love, Troy."

No one could have guessed that the always cheerful, smiling Bessie had a sad side too. When she was 23, she was deeply in love with Troy Evans, a handsome young man. They met at college, fell for each other, and Troy proposed. Bessie accepted eagerly, and their wedding was planned.

But one week before the wedding, something happened that changed everything.

She was out with friends at a restaurant when she saw Troy. At first, she thought she had mistaken him, but then she recognized him. She was about to go over and hug him when a stunning brunette ran up and kissed him on the cheek. The woman took his hand, and they walked away together.

Bessie was stunned. "Really, Troy? You're cheating on me!" she sobbed, leaving the restaurant upset. She wrote him a farewell letter telling him she was moving back home and ending their relationship.

After that, Troy sent her many letters asking for another chance, but she never read any of them. Later, she married Edward. She even forgot she still had Troy's letters until one day when a postman came to her door.

"Someone sent you a letter, ma’am. Looks fancy! No one writes letters anymore."

Curious, she opened it. It was from Troy.

"Dear Bessie,

I’ve been trying to find you for a long time. I finally did. I didn’t come to see you because I didn’t want to cause trouble with your marriage. But I want to see you just once, Bess. You haven’t replied to my letters over the years, but please give me a chance to explain. I live in Chicago. The address is inside. Please meet me once. I hope you won’t refuse this time.

Love, Troy Evans."

About a year after Edward’s death, Bessie was still grieving. She threw away that letter and others Troy sent, not planning to read them. But tonight, she opened one again. Something inside her, maybe a desire for love, prompted her to keep reading.

"Dear Bessie,

This is the last letter I’ll write you. I sent many letters, trying to meet you, but it never happened. That’s why I want to explain why I said I was faithful.

A friend asked me to pose as her brother’s boyfriend that day to protect her from guys who harassed her. It was a joke. I tried to tell you earlier, but you were with your grandparents, and when you returned, everything was messed up.

I’ve loved you with all my heart. I haven’t considered anyone else. I’m still single and hope you forgive me and come back. If not, this is goodbye.

Love, Troy Evans. "

Tears filled Bessie's eyes as she finished reading. Troy had never cheated on her. He wanted to tell her everything, but she was too angry to listen. Now she felt sorry for him, knowing he had loved her sincerely all his life. She hurried to find the envelope with his address and decided to visit him.

When she arrived, all she saw was an old, rundown house with a broken roof and peeling paint. She asked neighbors about Troy, but no one knew anything. Feeling disheartened, she was about to leave when her eyes caught a frail woman in her 90s staring at her.

She had been watching her since she arrived. Sensing she knew something, Bessie approached her and asked softly, "Do you know Troy Evans?"

The woman didn’t speak but handed her a note. It read: "Go to this address. He’ll be there. He left here two years ago and never came back." Bessie realized the woman was mute, which explained her silence.

"Thank you," Bessie whispered and headed to the address listed. An hour later, she reached The Oliver Nursing Home and soon saw Troy. He sat quietly in a wheelchair outside, almost like a statue. His once bright eyes looked blank, and his face was wrinkled.

Tears welled in Bessie's eyes as she approached him. "Hi, Troy. It’s me, Bessie. How are you?"

He slowly turned his wheelchair, but he did not speak.

She smiled sadly, holding his hand. "I finally found you, Troy. I’m sorry I ignored you all these years. Please forgive me."

Suddenly, a voice broke in. "There’s no point trying, ma’am. He won’t recognize you."

She looked around and saw a woman nearby in her late 50s. It was Debbie, Troy’s caregiver. She explained Troy had had a stroke and lost his memory, unable to speak now.

Bessie's heart sank. After all these years, Troy didn’t recognize her because of his condition. Still, she decided to keep trying.

She visited often, telling him their story and showing him the letters in hope he would remember. At first, it didn’t help. But one time, after reading a letter, Troy wept bitterly. He finally recognized Bessie and called her name. Nurses and everyone nearby watched in shock. It was a miracle.

That day, Bessie took Troy home, and now they live happily. She is glad she checked those old letters that evening.

What lessons are in this story?

• Don’t jump to conclusions. Bessie initially thought Troy had cheated but didn’t give him a chance to explain.
• Fate will find a way. Troy and Bessie were meant to be together, and eventually they were.