“She’s Not Much of a Mother”: Susan Thompson on Her Ex-Daughter-in-Law’s Life After the Divorce
Susan Thompson from Manchester can’t come to terms with how her son and his ex-wife’s lives have turned out. What Lauren has become since the divorce, her former mother-in-law dismisses as nothing short of “irresponsible recklessness.”
— My son left Lauren with their child, and no, I’m not defending him. Though a mother’s heart aches for him whether she likes it or not. He remarried quickly—to his first love, Emily, whom he dated back in uni. Back then, while he was doing his National Service, she married his mate. Now she’s divorced, and my son bumped into her at the supermarket—and that was it, they picked up right where they left off. They’ve even had a baby boy together. Seems like he’s got it all sorted.
He met Lauren after his service. They worked together. Married in a hurry, had little Rosie. At first, it looked like a solid family. But then, apparently, old flames burned brighter.
The divorce was quiet, no rows. He moved out, left her the flat, the furniture, everything. Took only his own things. Lauren behaved decently, never stopped him or me from seeing Rosie.
— But what she’s been up to since the divorce—it’s beyond me, Susan sighs, shaking her head.
The neighbours were quick to jump to conclusions:
— What, drinking? Running around? Bringing men home?
— No, Susan scowls. She doesn’t drink, and she’s not the type to chase after blokes. But she acts like life’s a breeze. Always cheery, always off somewhere—weekends in the countryside, hiking trips, hosting get-togethers. As if *she* wasn’t the one left with a child after a divorce!
Lauren takes Rosie everywhere. Says fresh air’s good for her, that the little one needs company, that her friends have kids too. Susan isn’t having any of it:
— Who knows who’s at these outings? Blokes? Divorcées? Booze? Cigarettes? The child sees it all. What kind of upbringing is that?
She’s certain—Rosie would be better off with her:
— She’d have proper home-cooked meals with me, go to the theatre. Not traipse around after her mum’s mates.
Susan tried getting her son to talk some sense into his ex:
— Tell her to sort herself out. Rosie’s your daughter too. You’ve got a new family—fine. But your little girl shouldn’t be raised in this circus.
Her son just shrugged:
— Mum, I’ve no right to interfere. I’m the one who wrecked the family. She knows how to live her life.
He pays child support, sees Rosie when Lauren brings her over. But the woman hasn’t let Susan into their home in ages:
— Always some excuse, always too busy. I reckon she’s afraid I’ll tell her a few home truths. What if she’s got a new man? What if he’s rough with Rosie?
Recently, Lauren said straight out on the phone:
— If you keep poking into my personal life, Rosie won’t be visiting anymore. You’ll see her once a month in the park. Be grateful I haven’t cut contact altogether, after your son cheated and walked out. Another woman in my shoes would’ve told the lot of you off ages ago. I’m holding back for Rosie’s sake.
Susan is furious:
— Can you believe it? She’s holding a grudge against *me*. I’m breaking my back for my granddaughter, and she’s painting me as the villain!
— What am I supposed to do? she complains to her friends. Can’t I even speak my mind if something bothers me? Or do I not count anymore? Maybe I should talk to *her* mum—that old matchmaker. Let her talk some sense into her daughter. I didn’t raise my son for years just to watch my granddaughter grow up in this careless nonsense.
What d’you reckon, girls? Am I right to worry? Or should I just step back and keep my nose out? But how can I stand by when my Rosie’s being raised by such a flighty woman?
