My mother confessed that she changed the date because her father had died on July 13th, and she didn’t want to associate my birthday with a day of sadness. I always celebrate it on the 14th. It’s her way of separating the sorrow from the joy. And I appreciate that gesture.
Story 3: A Forgotten Talent
I always thought my grandfather was just a simple farmer. One day, I found an old trunk filled with sheet music, trophies, and photos of him playing in concert halls.
He had been a renowned pianist in Europe, but had given it all up after a personal crisis. My parents had never spoken to me about it. When I asked him about it, he simply said, “Some melodies should stay in your memory.” Since then, I’ve started playing the piano. I hope he’s proud of me.
Story 4: A Difficult Truth
As a child, I thought my half-sister was the daughter of my father and his new partner. She had blond hair, which contrasted sharply with the rest of the family. My father said he had the same hair when he was young.
Collection of stories
Later, I learned that he might not have been her biological father. It was hard to hear, but it reminded me how complex family ties can be—and sometimes stronger than blood ties.
Story 5: A Silent Rivalry
My father’s tone changed every time we mentioned a certain Gary. At a family gathering, I learned that he was his half-brother. They had both been in love with my mother. She chose my father, but their sibling relationship never recovered.
When I asked him, he replied: “I won her heart, but not her peace.” That sentence stuck with me.
