She married an African man at 21 and left us… but every year she sends us the same message”

“Mom, take care of yourself. I’m doing well.”

That word, “well,” became Theresa’s greatest worry. It felt distant, almost rehearsed, and left more questions than answers.

They spoke on video only once. Mary Lou looked the same, but something in her expression had changed—she seemed busy, distracted, far away. When asked why she didn’t visit, she simply continue reading …