I looked after my husbands grandfather for ten years. Back then, we lived together with the children and Granddad in a rented flat in Manchester. My husbands sister, Alice, had moved into Granddads old place. Nobody else wanted to care for him not my mother-in-law or any of the other grandchildren. Truthfully, my life hadnt turned out as Id once hoped. I never finished uni, landed pregnant quickly, and never managed to build any proper career.
Each day bled into the next: I juggled caring for Granddad and raising the kids.
My husband couldnt stand the constant strain in the house and would disappear often. Not that other women showed much interest he had kids, no house to offer, and always ended up coming back to me. I forgave him, even though the love was long gone. I just wanted him around so hed give us money for the children and for looking after Granddad. Alice rarely visited, and when she did, it was for one reason only: to ask Granddad for money from his pension or moan about how hard up she was. Not that Id ever say she and her family were truly strapped for cash. They didnt need to pay any rent, could even afford holidays abroad.
Five years ago, Granddad left his flat to me in his will:
“Youve become dearer to me than anyone else in this family. My grandson is a waste, hell give this flat to his mother or his sister. Let your children, my great-grandchildren, live here. Its the least I can do for all your hard work. I dont want you cursing me after Im gone, blaming me for your hard life.”
No one else in the family knew about this. When Granddads health began to decline, both his daughter and granddaughter suddenly started showing up they knew where things were heading and wanted to show that they cared. But Granddad wasnt daft, he knew what their visits really meant.
When the old man passed, the inheritance was split straight away. My mother-in-law and Alice talked my husband into giving up his rights to Granddads flat, since Alice lived there anyway. He agreed. But, none of them knew about the will.
The very next day, my husband began packing his bags. He told me there was another woman, and that hed only stayed with me so Id care for Granddad. Then he left, and honestly, I felt as though a massive weight was lifted from my shoulders. Once the family found out about the will, all hell broke loose, with threats and shouting.
“Listen to me, youll never get this flat! I dont know how you looked after Granddad, or how you tricked him into leaving you the flat, but you wont get it. Youre a real fraud, and well prove it in court.”
You know what? I finally realised I could tell them all to get lost. So I did.
Their words didnt hurt me in the slightest. Im certain Ill finally have a normal life Ive found a job, my kids and I have a place of our own, and, most importantly, Im free from all ties to that lot.
Sometimes I wonder, what would you have done in my place?
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