Tom spent his life prioritizing work, leaving little room for family. Nearing 70, with worsening health, he found himself alone. His daughter, Daisy, rarely answered his calls, and his grandson, Theo, barely knew him.
One evening, Tom sat in his empty office, staring at the glowing Christmas tree. He hesitated before dialing Daisy. “What does Theo want for Christmas?” he asked.
“A Furby,” she replied, distracted.
“Can I just send money instead?” Tom asked.
“Sure,” Daisy said, disappointment clear in her tone before hanging up.
Later, at a doctor’s visit, Tom received grim news. “You need to take your health seriously,” Dr. Harris warned. “Have you told your family?”
“No,” Tom admitted. “I wasn’t a good father. I don’t want to burden her.”
“Tom, they deserve to know,” the doctor insisted.
That evening, Tom finally called Daisy and told her the truth. After a long pause, she sighed, “I’m coming tomorrow.”
When she arrived, she immediately took charge—calling his doctor, tossing out unhealthy food, and making a firm offer. “Come live with us, Dad. We have space, and you’d have support.”
Tom shook his head. “I need to work.”
Daisy’s frustration boiled over. “Work? That’s all you ever cared about! I spent my whole life hearing how great you were, but you were never around. And Theo? He doesn’t even know you.”
Tears welled in her eyes as she grabbed her bag. “I’m done, Dad.” The door slammed behind her.
For weeks, Tom called, leaving messages Daisy never returned. Then, one evening, his phone rang.
“This is Riverside Health Clinic,” a calm voice said. “We’ve received Mrs. Brown’s body following an accident. Your number is listed as the emergency contact.”
Tom’s heart pounded. “Daisy?”
Panicked, he rushed to the hospital, only to learn it was a mistake—another Brown, not his daughter. Relief hit him hard, but so did reality. What if it had been Daisy? How much time did he have left to fix things?
Determined, Tom showed up at Daisy’s house on Christmas Eve, dressed as Santa, a Furby clutched in his hand. When she opened the door, shock flashed across her face.
“Merry Christmas,” Tom said, voice trembling. “I know I’ve failed you. But I want to change, starting today.”
Daisy’s eyes filled with tears. After a moment, she stepped aside. “Come in, Dad.”
Theo ran to him, beaming. “Santa!” he squealed, throwing his arms around Tom.
Holding his grandson close, Tom felt something he hadn’t in years—hope.