I was reading my grandkids a book about a secret chamber when suddenly, they revealed that their parents had one too. I’m 64 and recently widowed. My son and daughter-in-law have supported me a lot, and they invited me to live at their home for some time.

I agreed as it was hard to stay totally alone. The only thing they asked of me was NOT to go to the basement, as there were repairs being done. It was very dusty, and I’m allergic to dust.

So, here I am, babysitting my grandkids, cooking meals, and trying to be grateful to my kids. Moving forward to yesterday. It was almost 9 p.m., and I was reading “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” to the kids.

Suddenly, Eric, 4, exclaimed:

Eric: We have the Chamber of Secrets too! In the basement! John: Eric, hush!!

Grandma, he’s kidding. Eric: I’m not. I’ll show it to you.

He grabbed my hand and pulled me toward the basement. While John, the eldest, ran for his parents, I was very intrigued and followed Eric. In the basement, I indeed saw a hidden room.

I hesitated, but curiosity won. Behind a plastic sheet was a hidden door. As I turned the knob, John came running—“Grandma, wait!

Mom and Dad said not to!” Too late. The door swung open to reveal a room that mirrored MY old bedroom—blue walls, floral bedspread, even my wedding photo with Richard on the nightstand. Tears blurred my vision as James and Natalie rushed in.

“We wanted you to have a space that feels like home. Not just as Grandma. As family!” I looked around, overwhelmed.

Everything they’d done… was FOR ME. And for the first time in years, I truly felt wanted.