When my mother found out that I was married, that I had a good job, and that I owned my own flat, she rushed round to ask me for financial help.
My mother had always been extremely strict with me. Dad often travelled away for work, leaving Mum to look after me on her own. My father was loving, and whenever he came back home, it always meant a host of gifts for me. Mum, on the other hand, wasnt one for showing much affection. One day, Dad left on a business trip and never returned.
At school, I never once made any friends. Id go in dressed like a pauper, wearing an old, second-hand uniform Mum had picked up on the street. Shed always remind me, Wear whatever youve got. I need to sort myself out first, and I havent any money to spare for you. So, with patience, I endured wearing that unsightly outfit all through my fifth year.
Later on, a neighbour gave me her daughters old school uniform after she left school, and I wore that until I finished. When it came to shoes, I just made do with whatever I had, and they lasted a few years until they finally became too small. Eventually, I finished secondary school with good grades and decided to go on to university, choosing to study economics. Even at university, I still relied on cast-off clothes from friends whod got bored of them.
One day, I met Jonathan, who had finished his degree a few years before. We started seeing each other and, before long, he introduced me to his parents. When I visited their home, I was terribly embarrassed by my tatty, worn-out shoes. My feet were soaked through, but his mother kindly pretended not to notice. The next day, she invited me over and gave me a brand new pair of shoes.
I always worried Jonathans parents wouldnt take to me, but it wasnt long before they welcomed me in as part of the family. Im still not sure what I did to deserve such kindness. They gave us a house as a wedding present, and after I graduated, my mother-in-law offered me a position in her company, which paid very well. At last, I could afford to buy what I needed. I will never stop being grateful to God for helping me make it through life.
When my mother heard I was married, working a good job, and settled into my own place, she came rushing to ask for money. However, our conversation was overheard by my mother-in-law. She called my husband and our son straight home. In the end, my husband explained to my mother that she shouldn’t expect anything more from me. He told her he was thankful to have a daughter, but that she should not come round to our house again. Since then, my mother hasnt been in touch, and now I am looking forward to the birth of my child.
