My daughter’s in despair: tears and searching for meaning in life
I’m a mother of two children—a son and a daughter. I’ve been a widow for many years. My husband lived long enough to see the birth of our grandchildren, but tragically, he passed away before our children decided to tie the knot.
In our family, we have always held traditions in high regard. We believed that if two people love each other and wish to be together, then an official marriage—whether civil or religious—is essential.
However, my children held different views. Every time I tried to convince them to make their relationships official, they just chuckled, calling my beliefs outdated. They assured me that their love didn’t require formalities or ceremonies, that a piece of paper would not change their feelings.
Unfortunately, life confirmed my fears in the harshest way.
One morning, I heard a knock on the door. There stood my daughter Emma. She held a suitcase in one hand, and by her side was her three-year-old daughter, while a baby slept in a pram. Her eyes were brimming with tears.
“Mum, can I stay with you for a day with the kids? James kicked us out… He’s with someone else…” her voice trembled.
I was shocked. How could he do such a thing? Emma had given him two beautiful children! I wanted to rush to him and demand explanations. But seeing my daughter’s state, I hugged her, kissed her, and decided not to bring it up at that moment.
Emma had finished her studies at the university but never started working. James, her partner, insisted she stay home.
“I don’t need your money. I want to come home to a cosy house, eat home-cooked meals, wear clean shirts. I’ll provide for our family myself.”
I decided to call James. I asked him about the family and their future. He calmly replied:
“My heart now belongs to someone else. I’ll support the children, but Emma is in my past.”
Since then, he sends us a small amount every month. My pension barely covers our needs. Emma is in depression, constantly crying, and can’t find meaning in her future.
Now she understands how important it would have been to formalize her relationship. Marriage is not just a symbol of love but also a protection, especially for women.
I urge all parents: convince your children of the importance of marriage. This trend of living together without commitments can lead to tragedy. Family should be grounded in traditions and laws. It’s the only way we can protect our children and grandchildren from such misfortunes.
