They told her straight to her face: “We don’t want a daughter-in-law who’s a nobody!”
I’m 57, unmarried, and childless, but I have some advice for all parents: don’t meddle in your children’s lives. Let them live by their own rules, because what makes you happy might not work for them.
I am living proof that my parents, in their quest to give me the best, separated me from the woman I loved more than anything.
Mary was from a poor family, while my parents inherited estates and were quite proud.
When I introduced her to them, they turned her away, saying they wouldn’t have a daughter-in-law from the streets. She left, offended but with her head held high.
She refused to run away with me and said that eventually, my parents would find a way to break us apart.
She married a neighbor of hers, who was also from a humble background.
However, they worked hard and built a home on the outskirts of town. They had three children, and whenever I saw her on the street, she was always smiling and seemed genuinely happy.
One day, I asked her if she loved her husband.
Mary, from a poor family, told me that she had realized stability and understanding between a couple is more important for a family. If those aren’t present, love alone isn’t enough for a life together.
I disagreed with her but couldn’t argue, as I felt like a traitor. I never got over Mary, and unlike her, I never married.
I couldn’t imagine having a family without loving the woman I was with.
My parents tried matchmaking me with girls they considered suitable, but I firmly rejected their choices.
Eventually, they gave up and asked me to choose someone of my own liking, to continue the family line.
But I didn’t want anyone except Mary. Yet, she had moved on and built her life without me.
My parents grew old, fell ill, and passed away one by one. I ended up alone in our large, three-story house.
I rarely meet friends now because they have grandchildren to look after and don’t have much time for me. I tend to avoid them too.
I am happy for their joy but also hurt by it.
On weekends, I spend my time painting and repairing playground equipment in our town.
Sometimes, I help with the gardens of local nurseries. I do it all voluntarily and for free because I don’t need the money. This way, I make other people’s children and grandchildren happy.
I sold all the land and property inherited from my parents.
With the proceeds, I made donations to several schools and homes for abandoned children.
A friend once asked why I didn’t donate to a care home for the elderly. But I didn’t want to.
As harsh as it sounds, it’s my way of avenging my parents for leaving me alone. Plus, the future belongs to children, not the elderly, right?
Children need more care and a good start in life.
When I die, my house will go to the school I graduated from.
If they want, they can use it or sell it. What’s important is that it goes to a good cause!
