I’ve always looked up to my mom for her sacrifices and endless love. But recently, I found myself questioning her choices. My son is heading off to college, and every dollar counts. So, when I saw that my 70-year-old mom had spent $1,800 on a designer dress instead of helping with his college fund, I was upset.
My mom has always been the kind of person who puts her family first. She worked long hours, wore the same clothes for years, and never complained. That’s why her decision to spend so much on a dress felt so out of character.
When I asked her about it, her answer surprised me. “For seventy years, I’ve given everything to my children,” she said. “Just once, I wanted something for me.” Her words made me stop and think. I realized that after a lifetime of selflessness, she wasn’t being selfish—she was finally doing something for herself.
It took me a while to process my feelings, but I eventually understood. My mom has spent decades caring for others. If buying a dress made her happy, who was I to judge? Maybe it was her way of reminding herself that she’s more than just a mother or grandmother. And maybe, that was a lesson I needed to learn too.
