My father-in-law was speechless when he saw the conditions we lived in.
I first met my husband at the wedding of a mutual friend. I had just moved to London and managed to find a job. Honestly, I was over the moon to finally escape the countryside. Our relationship blossomed quickly a year later, our daughter was born.
Then everything changed.
Why is our daughter blonde with blue eyes when both of us have dark hair and features? my husband asked one day, his voice sharp.
Darling, she must take after your father. Just look at the resemblance, I replied softly.
Dont give me that. A child should look like their mum or dad, not some distant relative. Even my mother reckons shes not really mine.
From the beginning, my mother-in-law was against me, convinced I didnt love her son enough. But his father, Richard, was a thoroughly decent man. Divorced from my mother-in-law, hed started a new family, but still cared deeply about his son.
It came to a head when my husband brought another woman back to our home. He told me to pack my belongings and leave, and I had no say in the matter.
With nowhere to turn, I realised my own parents wouldnt take us back having a child out of wedlock would be far too embarrassing for them. And it was freezing in their old house, especially without any heating. I called my friend, Harriet, who put us up for a few days. After that, I managed to rent a small room and moved in with my daughter. Money soon started running out.
One afternoon, while walking through the local shop, I heard someone call my name.
Girls, where have you been? said Richard, my father-in-law. I even drove out to your old village searching for you.
How are you? Im so glad to see you, I whispered, feeling relief flood through me.
Im aware of what my son did. Theres no excuse for it, not from him nor his mother. Where are you living now?
Were renting a small room.
Alright. Im in a bit of a rush Ive got to go away for work. But as soon as Im back, well sort out something better for you. Take this it should keep you going for a fortnight, he said, handing me an envelope.
It was a godsend; I could finally buy enough food and milk for my daughter.
Richard came back earlier than expected and came to see us. He was truly shocked by the state of our accommodation. He couldnt take us in himself his new wife was against it. However, he found another solution: he spent all his savings buying a small flat and signed it over to his granddaughter. I tried to refuse such a gift, but he held firm. He made it clear he was doing it for his granddaughter rather than me.
Within a month, my daughter and I began settling into our little home. Richard even helped us move, bringing furniture and all the basics we needed.
Dont rush to put your daughter in nursery, he told me. She still needs her mum. Ill give you a hand, dont worry. And my wifes come round and would like to meet her granddaughter.
Thank you so much! I said, tears in my eyes.
Dont cry, love. You can always count on me Ill never turn you away. Give it some time; life will sort itself out, youll see.
Im grateful my daughter has such a wonderful grandfather, even though she wasnt as lucky with her dad. He sacrificed everything to help us through.
Over the years, I remarried but never forgot what Richard did for us. Hes always a welcome guest in our home, and we visit him often. Life worked out in the end.
Ive learnt that kindness sometimes appears where you least expect it, and family doesnt always mean just blood its love that truly makes a home.
