Im going on holiday Im not here to babysit anyone! My mother-in-law left me in the lurch, but I gave her what she deserved.
Every family has its share of secrets or troubles. Some squabble over inheritance, others face issues like drinking, affairs, or simply having nothing in common. As for us, things would be just about perfectif it werent for my mother-in-law. I made every effort to connect with her over the years, but it just never worked.
I understand the bond between parents and their children can be strong. But a mummys boy at thirty-seven? Thats a bit much. My husband and his mum share all sorts of little secrets, always whispering and having private chats behind my back. I cant shake the feeling that my mother-in-law doesnt care much for our son, her only grandson.
Let me tell you about what happened not so long ago. Each summer, our son spends most of the holidays with my parents at their cottage, but my mother-in-law never manages to look after him for even a week or two.
Because of the pandemic, my mum, who works for the NHS, couldnt take any leave, and my dads health meant he couldnt look after our son on his own. I couldnt get time off work either so we really hoped my mother-in-law could help. I arranged everything with her a month in advance.
Just a week before, she rang me and said, Ive been gifted a holiday trip, youll have to sort something else for your son.
I was speechless and just hung up. Id run out of optionsthere was no one else. My mother-in-law was set for a lovely getaway, not giving a thought to her grandson. Later, I found out she hadnt been given the holiday at allshe bought it herself, fully aware our son was meant to be staying with her.
Before leaving, she asked my husband to water her greenhouse and gardens while she was away. But since my husband is always busy at work, the job naturally fell to me. I made it very clear I wouldnt lift a finger. My reasons were simple:
You let me down and told me fibs. I wont be doing you any favoursif you want a break, you have one. But if your tomatoes dry out, its no skin off my nose.
Naturally, she was upset, but she still went on her trip. Now Im running around trying to find a last-minute summer camp for our son, as theres nowhere else for him to go.
Did I do the right thing?
Sometimes, when others show little regard for your needs, you have to set boundaries and stand up for yourself. Its only by respecting ourselves that we can truly expect respect in return.
