In Fannie Flagg's "Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe," the heartbreaking reality of elderly individuals waiting for visitors is depicted. They prepare for their guests with hope, getting their hair styled and putting on clean clothes, only to find that no one comes to see them. This routine illustrates the deep longing for connection that many feel, highlighting the emotional weight of abandonment.

The quote poignantly underscores that having children does not ensure companionship or visits in later years. The disillusionment of the elderly characters reflects on the broader themes of loneliness and the unpredictability of familial bonds, reminding readers of the importance of connection and the pain of neglect.