In my later years, my children suddenly remembered they had a mother, but I will never forget how they treated me.
When my husband left me for a much younger woman, my children sided with himthe respectable managing director of a well-known British company. For years, it was as if I no longer existed to them, and I found myself completely alone. It wasnt until my former husband recently passed away that it became clear hed left everything he owned to his young wife.
And suddenly, my children decided to remember me. Now they visit me often, but I know full well why. Lately, my daughter has started dropping hintssaying its time to think about the future, about my will. They dont have a clue about the little surprise Ive got in store for them. Theyll find out after Im gone.
In my old age, my children have recalled that they do have a mother, but I will never forget their actions towards me.
The years went on, and I felt as though I was just fading away at the farthest edge of the world. My children always looked at me like a stranger, as if we spoke different languages.
Divorcing my husband was the final blow to our relationship. They chose his sideafter all, he was an important man, a highly respected managing director.
And, to be frank, it was simply more convenient for them to be with him. As for me? I was left all alonea discarded wife, an abandoned mother.
My children quickly forgot about me, and the only word I got of them was through mutual friends, whod tell me about their cheerful dinners and extravagant holidays with their father and his new wife. They travelled abroad to warm places, dined lavishly, made grand plans together.
Meanwhile, I sat quietly in my empty flat, every new story about them cutting me like pieces of broken glass.
At some point, I realised I had to start living for myself. I went abroad to work. For the first time in years, I felt truly free.
With retirement approaching, Id managed to earn enough to change my life. When I came back home, I refurbished my flat, bought new furniture and appliances, and set aside some money for my twilight years.
In the meantime, my children built lives of their own. Id heard that they were doing rather well for themselves: big weddings, new babies, festive celebrations. But then, the unexpected happenedmy ex-husband died suddenly of a heart attack. All his wealth, hed left to his young wife.
My son and daughter were left with nothing. Their bitterness quickly gave way to warm memories of their mother.
First, they began paying me visits, always bringing small giftschocolates, fruit, asking after my health. I greeted them with a smile, but deep down, I understood their motives. Each of them had their own reasons.
I am now 72. Im healthy, energetic, and content. But lately, my daughter has been dropping hintstelling me its time to arrange my will. Then, a couple of weeks ago, my granddaughter, newly married just last year, popped in.
Gran, dont you get lonely here all by yourself? she asked with genuine interest.
Not at all. Im very comfortable here, I replied.
In my later years, my children remembered they had a mother, but Ill never forget how they treated me.
But the flat is so big for you, she went on. It must be hard to keep it clean, isnt it? Perhaps my husband and I could move in with you? Itd be more cheerful for you, and easier for uswe wouldnt have to pay rent.
I smiled. Their intentions were painfully clear.
Who says you wouldnt have to pay? I replied calmly. Id give you a good discount.
She was lost for words. She had clearly expected me to open the door and say, Take anything you want, Im only too happy. But I have other plans.
Several years ago, I quietly made my will, specifying that my flat would be sold after my death, with the money going to a charity supporting sick children.
When my daughter found out, she was furious. She phoned, shouting that I was being unfair, that I was robbing my grandchildren of their future. My son soon followed, gently suggesting hed look after me. But their sudden affection left me unmoved.
Would you let your granddaughter move in if you were me?
