My Mother-in-Law’s Birthday is on New Year’s Day: How Maria Surprised Me with Wisdom, a Wish for a Granddaughter, and the Greatest Gift Our Family Could Expect After Seventeen Years of Marriage and a Third Pregnancy at 38

Author Mitsuko NagasakiReading 3 minViews 1

My mother-in-laws birthday is on 1st January. We went to visit her, and suddenly she asked,

Victoria, are you expecting?

I have a wonderful relationship with my mother-in-law, Margaret. My husband and I have been married for seventeen years, and we have two sons. Late last year, I found out I was pregnant for the third time. I thought Id share the news with Margaret on her birthday, but my nerves got the better of me.

You see, our family lives in a modest two-bedroom flat, with barely enough space for the four of us. And I was already thirty-eight, which is considered quite late for pregnancy. Honestly, I was so anxious about what Margaret would think.

But on her birthday, I had to pull myself together.

As soon as we arrived, Margaret called me into the kitchen to help her out. Margaret is shrewd and remarkably intuitive. She noticed straight awaythere was no need for any explanation on my part.

I was stunned by her quick perception, but even more so by her response. Margaret was thrilled, and shared with me that shed been wishing for a granddaughter for years.

With her blessing and support, I gave birth to a daughter this summer. For the third time, my mother-in-law went above and beyond, helping with the baby and offering support whenever we needed it. I was deeply grateful, and truly treated Margaret like my own mum.

Winter rolled around again before I knew it, and we all went to Margarets for her birthday once morethis time with our little princess in tow. Since Margaret had taken to baking a lot, we decided to buy her a proper oven as a present.

After the celebration was winding down and we were about to head home, Margaret stopped me and asked if she could quickly have a word.

Margaret said she was deeply grateful for her granddaughter. As a thank you, she wanted to move in with us and give us her two-bedroom flat. I was speechlessonce again reminded of just how wise and kind-hearted my mother-in-law is. Shes become both a friend and a mother to mesomething I know not everyone is fortunate enough to have.

We continue to live together, full of joy and harmony. I admire Margaret and hope one day to have as much life wisdom as she does.

I Gave My Surname to Her Children—Now I’m Legally Obligated to Support Them While She Lives Happily Ever After with Their Biological Father Let Me Tell You How I Went from “The Fun Guy” to Official ATM for Two Kids Who Only Text for Movie Money but Ignore Me at Christmas It All Started Three Years Ago When I Met Marianne—An Amazing Divorced Woman with Two Kids (Aged 8 and 10). Smitten, I Spoiled Them Every Weekend, Believing the “They Love You So Much!” Routine One Evening, Over a Glass of Wine, She Sadly Confided That Her Ex, the Kids’ Biological Father, Never Gave Them His Surname—Never Officially Recognised Them as His In a Brilliant (Sarcastic) Move, I Offered to Adopt Them. “They’re Like My Own Anyway,” I Said—Thinking I Was a Hero We Went Through the Legal Hoops—Lawyers, Courts, Deeds—and the Kids Became Sebastian and Camilla Rodgers, WITH MY SURNAME. We Even Held a ‘Family Ceremony’ with Cake Six Months Later—Just Six—Marianne Announced: “Mike’s Back. The Kids’ Real Dad Wants His Family.” She Decided to Give Him Another Chance “for the Sake of the Kids” I’d Already Adopted Them. Lawyers Confirmed: I Was Their Dad Now. With All Legal Obligations—Child Support, School, Healthcare—Even If I Was No Longer with Their Mum So Here I Am—Paying Maintenance for Marianne, Who Lives Happily Ever After with Mike in MY Flat (Because “the Kids Need Stability”). Paid for By Me. I Moved Out, Of Course Mike, the Absent Dad for Years, Now Plays Park Football Hero While I Get Monthly Emails from the Solicitor: “Child Support Paid: £XXX”—Complete with a Sad Emoji Last Month, Sebastian Asked for Money for Trainers. “Can’t Mike Buy Them?” I Asked. “He Said You’re My Legal Dad—He’s Just Dad at Heart.” How Convenient. I’m the Budget Dad—He’s the Hero Dad Adoption’s Basically Irreversible. The Courts See Me as the Villain for Wanting Out. My Friends Have Stopped Pitying Me—“Mate, At What Point Did You Think This Was Smart?” All I Can Say: I Was in Love Now, Every Time I See a Couple with Kids That Aren’t Theirs, I Want to Shout, “NEVER SIGN ANYTHING! BE THE FUN UNCLE, THE BOYFRIEND, WHATEVER—JUST DON’T SIGN!” My Mum Simply Said, “Love Made You a Fool,” and Hugged Me (Which Somehow Hurt Even More) Yesterday Brought Another “Unexpected School Expense: £XXX.” As If School Isn’t Predictable Every Year Meanwhile, Marianne Posts Happy Family Photos—The Kids, WITH MY SURNAME, Next to the Man Who Abandoned Them The Icing on the Cake? Camilla (10, Yes—She Has Instagram) Lists In Her Bio: “Daughter of Marianne and Mike ❤️”—My Name Nowhere I’m Just The Anonymous Sponsor of Their Lives So Here I Am—Single, £500 Shorter Each Month, Two “Kids” Who Only Message for Money, and the Harsh Realisation That Love Made Me Do the Stupidest Thing of My Life The Only Silver Lining: When Someone Asks If I Have Kids, I Can Say “Yes” and Tell This Story at Dinner—Everybody Laughs. Except Me—I’m Laughing Inside So, Have You Ever Signed Something “For Love” That Cost You Dearly… Or Am I the Only Genius Who Gave Away a Surname and Bank Account in One Bargain Package?

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“Hello… Is that you, Vasya? – No, this is Olena… – Olena? Who are you? – Excuse me, but who are you? I’m Vasyl’s girlfriend. Is there something you wanted?… Your husband isn’t here, he’s held up at work… My head started spinning, I noticed drops of red on the floor. A sharp pain gripped my stomach—I could barely move… I knew the baby was about to arrive. My husband Vasyl has spent the last five years working abroad—first driving lorries in Germany, then working in renovations in Poland. He left for money’s sake. We have two sons and always wanted to give them the best future. We realised we’d get nowhere if we stayed in England. You know, life there started looking up for my husband. Each month he’d send us food parcels—canned goods, pasta, oil, sweets—and deposit money in my account so I could put it aside and earn some interest. We managed to save enough to buy our elder son a flat. It seemed everything was perfect. But a few months ago, something felt off in my body. I thought it was the menopause, but the signs pointed elsewhere—I gained weight, was constantly sleepy and hungry, and my moods kept swinging. All the online advice screamed ‘pregnant.’ Pregnant at 45? I doubted it, until two bright lines appeared on the test stick. I didn’t want to tell my sons or daughters-in-law about the baby. What for? So they could laugh and call me mad for having a child at my age? I decided to hide the pregnancy—luckily, with winter approaching, big, warm coats disguised my growing belly. I didn’t want to have this baby. Some might say I’ve no faith, but I’m 45, no longer young. I already have sons and grandchildren—I want to devote myself to them, not nappies. Plus, we can’t afford another child—Vasyl would have to go abroad again, but I can’t cope without him. Doctors said it was too late and risky for an operation—I might not survive. So I convinced myself all would be well. Maybe, I thought, Vasyl would be delighted about the new baby. I decided to ring him on Skype and share my news, only turning on the mic, not the camera. “Hello, Vasyl…” “This isn’t Vasyl. It’s Olena.” “Olena? Who are you?” “Excuse me, who are you? I’m Vasyl’s girlfriend. Did you want something? Your husband isn’t here, he’s still at work.” I hung up and burst into tears. Turns out, a man can betray you anywhere, with anyone. I wanted to file for divorce and throw out all his things. But in my heart, I hoped my husband would return when he heard about the baby. He was due home in February for the boys’ birthdays and had arranged time off. I even dreamt we’d walk in the park, Vasyl holding our daughter’s hand and me holding the other. He arrived on Valentine’s Day. I prepared a romantic dinner, lit candles, played music—created a cosy atmosphere. “Vasyl, I’ve got a surprise for you. I’m pregnant. They say it’s a girl.” “You wretch!” my husband shouted. He turned red with rage, flipped the plates onto the floor, pounded on the table. “So while I’m working like a horse, you’re sleeping with other men? Now you want to saddle me with some bastard?” “Vasyl, let me explain…” “Get away, I don’t want to see you!” He shoved me and my stomach struck the table’s edge. I collapsed. Vasyl stormed out, grabbed his bag, and slammed the door. My head spun, I saw red droplets on the floor. My stomach cramped with pain, and I could barely call for an ambulance. The baby was coming. When the paramedics arrived, I was already holding our daughter. She lay quietly in my arms, not crying, fast asleep. “So, Mum, are you coming with us?” “No. Take the baby. I don’t want her.” “What do you mean?” “I said, take her! This child has destroyed my family! Maybe someone will love her, but it won’t be me. Please, just take her away—I don’t want to see her.” With no regrets, I handed the baby to the medic. They checked me over—no tears, a smooth delivery. Once the ambulance left, I cleaned the house, showered, and went to bed. None of my children know I gave my daughter away. Every day I go to church and pray she’ll grow up healthy and find a loving family, because I know I can’t cope. I don’t want the burdens of motherhood again. I only wish for Vasyl to return home, but he’s back in Germany and only speaks to our sons. Call me mad if you want, but I’m choosing my husband over my child. God will judge me.

010

Wow, Dad, what a welcome! Why bother with a spa retreat when home is practically ‘all inclusive’? When James handed Eva the keys to his flat, she realised: victory was hers. Not even Leonardo DiCaprio waited for his Oscar like Eva waited for her James—complete with her very own nest. Desperate and thirty-five, Eva found herself throwing sympathetic glances at stray cats and scoping out craft shop windows more often. Then appeared James—single, having spent his youth on his career, healthy eating, the gym, and other nonsense like soul searching, and childless to boot. Eva had been wishing for this since she was twenty, and somewhere up above, they finally understood she wasn’t joking. “My last business trip of the year, and after that I’m all yours,” James said, handing over the treasured keys. “Just don’t be startled by my bachelor’s den—I only come home to sleep,” he added, hurrying off to another time zone for the weekend. Eva grabbed her toothbrush, her face cream, and set off to check out the bachelor pad. The problems started right at the door. James had warned the lock sometimes stuck, but Eva hadn’t thought it was this bad. She spent forty minutes storming the entrance: pushing, pulling, carefully inserting the key—trying every trick her schoolyard mates taught her back in the day. All the noise opened a neighbour’s door. “Why are you trying to break into someone else’s flat?” a concerned woman asked. “I’m not! I’ve got the keys!” snapped Eva, wiping sweat from her brow. “And you are? I’ve never seen you before.” “I’m his girlfriend!” Eva declared, hands on hips, but only a crack in the door met her challenge. “You?” the neighbour replied, surprised. “Yes, me. Is that a problem?” “No, it’s just… well, he’s never had anyone over (which made Eva love James even more). And then suddenly, you…” “What do you mean, ‘you’?” Eva frowned. “None of my business, sorry,” the neighbour said, closing her door. Determined, Eva jammed the key in with all her heart, nearly twisting the whole doorframe. The door finally opened. James’s entire world stood revealed, and Eva’s soul froze. Of course, single men are often a bit ascetic, but this was a true monk’s cell. “Poor thing, you’ve either forgotten or never known true comfort,” Eva whispered, surveying the humble abode she’d now be frequenting. At least the neighbour hadn’t lied—a woman’s touch had never graced these walls, floors, or kitchen. Eva was first. Unable to resist, Eva dashed to the nearest shop for a pretty shower curtain and bathmat, oven mitts, and kitchen towels. Naturally, this led to more purchases… To the curtain and mat joined handmade soap, air fresheners, practical containers for cosmetics. “Adding little touches to his place isn’t overstepping,” Eva assured herself, as a second trolley joined the first. The lock gave up resisting—no longer even functioning properly, like a hockey goalie without his mask. Realising what she’d done, Eva worked until midnight with kitchen knives to remove the old lock, and the next morning dashed out for a replacement. Of course, the knives needed replacing too. Then forks, spoons, a new tablecloth, chopping boards, coasters—soon, curtains were next. At Sunday lunchtime, James rang: the trip was extended by two days. “I’ll be thrilled if you make my flat a bit warmer and cozier,” he said, grinning as Eva confessed to a few liberties with his decor. By then, coziness was arriving by the truckload, all sorted and filed, years’ worth tucked away in Eva finally unleashed. By the time James returned, only a lone spider by the vent remained from the old place. Eva almost chased it off, but seeing its startled eight eyes, decided it was better left as a symbol of respecting another’s property. James’s place now looked like he’d been happily married for eight years, got disillusioned, and found happiness again regardless. Eva hadn’t just taken over the apartment, but made sure everyone in the building knew she was the new lady of the house. The lack of a ring was purely technical. Neighbors were skeptical at first, but then just shrugged: “Whatever you say, it’s your business.” *** On James’s homecoming, Eva prepared a true home-cooked meal, dressed herself in dazzling attire, placed air fresheners at every corner, dimmed the shiny new lights, and began to wait. James was running late. When Eva felt her festive outfit digging painfully into the spots she’d spent months toning at the gym, someone started turning the new lock. “It’s a brand new lock, just push—it’s not locked!” Eva called out, a little embarrassed but with sultry intent. She feared no judgement—she’d done a brilliant job decorating, surely she’d be forgiven anything. Just then, Eva got a text from James: “Where are you? I’m home. The flat looks exactly the same. My mates were sure you’d cover everything in cosmetics.” Truth be told, Eva saw the message much later. At that moment, five complete strangers entered the flat: two young men, two school-aged kids, and an elderly gentleman, who straightened at the sight of Eva and smoothed what hairs he had left. “Blimey, Dad, what a reception! Why that spa, when home’s got all the trimmings?” said one young man, earning a swift slap from his wife for staring. Eva stood in the hallway with two full glasses, rooted to the spot. She wanted to scream, but was paralyzed. Somewhere in the corner, the spider chuckled. “Sorry, who are you?” Eva squeaked. “The owner, love. And you—here for the clinic visit, a dressing change? I said I could manage, you know,” replied the old man, eyeing Eva’s nurse’s uniform. “Err… Adam, your place is really cozy now,” the young wife peered in. “Not like the tomb you had before. And you, dear—what’s your name? Isn’t Adam a bit old for you? Though he’s respectable, has his own place…” “E-E-Eva…” “Well, Adam, must say you pick your people well!” Judging by his twinkle, Adam thought it a fine turn of events. “But where’s James?” Eva whispered, nervously draining both glasses. To be continued “I’m James!” shouted the eight-year-old boy. “Easy, son, not yet,” his mother sent him and the other child out to the car. “S-s-sorry, I seem to have the wrong flat,” Eva managed, recalling the struggle with the lock. “Is this Lilac Avenue, eighteen, flat twenty-six?” “No, it’s Beech Street, eighteen,” Adam replied, rubbing his hands together, ready to unwrap his unexpected gift. “Right,” Eva sighed tragically, “my mistake. Make yourselves at home; I need to make a call.” She grabbed her phone and darted to the bathroom, barricading herself, wrapping up in a towel. There she finally read James’s SMS. “James, I’ll be right there, just popped to the shop,” Eva texted. “No worries, I’ll wait. Grab a bottle of red if you can,” James sent. Eva intended to bring some red, but more in spirit. Tucking the mat and shower curtain under her arm, she waited until the strangers headed for the kitchen, then dashed out. She hastily packed up, and ran from the flat. *** “I’ll explain later,” Eva promised James on arrival, brushing past him in a daze. She went straight to the bathroom to swap the curtain and mat, then crashed on the sofa, sleeping off the stress—and the red—until morning. When she woke, a stranger waited for an explanation. “Excuse me, what’s this address?” “Butterfield, eighteen.”

06

For about a year, my son had been living with Kate, but we’d never met her parents—and that struck me as odd, so I decided to look into it I’ve always tried to raise my son to respect women above all—his grandmother, his mother, his wife, his daughter. In my view, that’s the best trait a man can have: respect for women. My husband and I gave our son an excellent upbringing and education, equipping him with everything he needs to navigate life with ease. We didn’t want to give him too many handouts, but we did buy him a two-bedroom flat. He worked to support himself, but affording his own place was out of reach. We didn’t hand over the flat right away—in fact, we didn’t even tell him about the purchase. Why? Our son had moved in with his girlfriend. For about a year, he had been living with Kate, but we had never met her parents, which I found peculiar. Later, I discovered that Kate’s mother was a former neighbour of a friend of mine, who told me something that made me uneasy. Apparently, Kate’s mother had thrown her husband out when he started earning less, and the absurdity only escalated from there. She began seeing a married but wealthy man. Kate’s grandmother, just like her daughter, had also had a relationship with a married man. She even used to force both her daughter and granddaughter to help out at his country cottage. That’s why my son had already found himself tangled in more than one affair with his future mother-in-law. But what worries me most in this story is how both Kate’s mother and grandmother are turning her against her father. The girl clearly loves her father, but because of these two women, their relationship is at risk. And to top it all off, Kate has decided to drop out of university because she believes a man should provide for the family. I do agree with that philosophy, and I’ve prepared my son for it, but heaven forbid they ever go through hard times. Where is the safety net? How will she support her husband if disaster strikes? By the way, I’ve re-registered the flat in my own name, because as the saying goes, I know I’ve raised a “deer”—a soft-hearted chap. Yes, anything acquired before marriage isn’t split after a divorce, but Kate is a clever woman and could easily see my “gentleman” out the door with only his socks.

05

— Needless to Say, This Is All My Fault! — My Boyfriend’s Sister Sobs, “I Never Imagined Anything Like This Could Happen! Now I Don’t Know What to Do Next or How to Save Face.” A Few Years Ago, My Boyfriend’s Sister Got Married. After the Wedding, the Newlyweds Decided to Live with the Husband’s Mum. His Parents Own a Spacious Three-Bedroom Flat and Only Have One Son. “You Can Have All but One Room—That’s Mine!” Declared the Mother-in-Law. “We’re All Well-Mannered People, So I’m Sure We’ll Get Along Just Fine.” “We Can Always Move Out!” The Husband Told His Wife. “There’s No Harm in Trying to Live with Mum. If it Doesn’t Work, We Can Always Rent Our Own Place…” And That’s Exactly What Happened, because Living Together Turned Out to Be Quite the Challenge. Both Daughter-in-Law and Mother-in-Law Tried, but Things Got Worse Every Day. Old Grievances Boiled Over, and Arguments Became More Frequent. “You Said If We Can’t Live Together, We’d Move Out!” The Wife Cried. “Well, Isn’t That a Bit Drastic?” The Mother-in-Law Smirked. “These Are Trivial Matters—No Reason to Pack Your Bags and Leave.” Exactly a Year After the Wedding, the Wife Became Pregnant and Gave Birth to a Healthy Baby Boy. The Grandma Quit Her Old Job Around the Same Time and Couldn’t Find Another, as No Employer Wanted Someone Nearing Retirement Age. That Meant Daughter-in-Law and Mother-in-Law Were Cooped Up Together 24/7—with Nowhere to Go—And the Tension Just Got Worse. The Husband Simply Shrugged and Listened to Complaints; He Was the Family’s Only Breadwinner. “We Can’t Leave My Mother on Her Own Now, She Has No Income. I Can’t Abandon Her, and There’s No Way I Can Afford Our Own Flat and Still Support Mum. Once She Finds a Job, We’ll Move Out!” But the Young Wife’s Patience Ran Out. She Packed Up Her Things and Her Son’s, and Moved Back in With Her Own Mum, Telling Her Husband She Wouldn’t Step Foot in His Mother’s House Again. If Family Mattered to Him, He’d Have to Sort Something Out. She Was So Sure He’d Rush to Get Their Family Back Together. But She Was Completely Wrong. Three Months Have Passed Since She Moved Back Home, and He Hasn’t Made the Slightest Effort to Bring Her Back. He Still Lives With His Mum, Communicates with His Wife and Child via Video Calls After Work, and Visits on Weekends at His Mother-in-Law’s House. He Now Gets Attention and Care from Both Women. Plus, Grandma Genuinely Pities Her Son, Now Left by His Angry Wife, and the Husband Doesn’t Even Need to Worry About Raising His Child. The Husband’s the Big Winner! And the Mother-in-Law Must Be Loving It—She Really Hasn’t Lost Anything! Meanwhile, the Young Wife Is Far From Happy. She Loves Her Husband Deeply, Even Though She Knows He Isn’t Acting Right. “What Did You Expect When You Left?” Her Husband Says, “You Can Come Back If You Want.” Chances Are, the Wife Has No Intentions of Leaving Her Mum’s and Renting a Flat—Understandably So, as She’s on Maternity Leave and Can’t Afford It. Is This Really the End of Their Family? What Do You Think—Does She Stand Any Chance of Returning to Her Mother-in-Law’s House and Saving Face Out of This Mess?

02

📌 Useful Social Services & Contacts in the U.S.

Stay informed and get help when you need it. Below are key national services with direct contacts that may support you or your loved ones:
🏥 Health & Mental Support

SAMHSA – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

What they do: Free and confidential help with substance use and mental health disorders.

Hotline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) – 24/7, anonymous support

Website: samhsa.gov

🧒 Support for Children & Families

WIC – Women, Infants, and Children Program

What they do: Nutritional and healthcare support for pregnant women, new mothers, and young children.

Federal Info Line: 1-800-522-5006

Find local WIC office: fns.usda.gov/wic

My Mother-in-Law’s Birthday is on New Year’s Day: How Maria Surprised Me with Wisdom, a Wish for a Granddaughter, and the Greatest Gift Our Family Could Expect After Seventeen Years of Marriage and a Third Pregnancy at 38