I bought brand new outfits for my daughter-in-law so she could go out with another man and apparently that makes me an awful mother. I honestly couldnt believe it. My own family called me a bad mum when they heard what Id done.
But before you roll your eyes and judge me, let me tell you the whole story.
It all began a few months back, when I popped over to visit my son, Peter, and my daughter-in-law, Madeleine. I knocked on the door and heard muffled sobbing.
When Madeleine answered, her eyes were red and puffy, and she was cradling my grandson, little Oliver. He looked so skinny, my heart nearly broke.
Oh, thank goodness youre here, Mother-in-law, she said, voice trembling.
My dear, whats happened? Why are you crying? I asked as I stepped inside.
And then, everything spilled out.
My sonyes, the absolute numpty I raisedwasnt giving her enough money for food. Told her there wasnt enough.
Yet somehow, every weekend, he was off down the pub with his mates. And, to make matters worse, he was seen with other women.
Madeleine what are you both eating? I asked, horrified.
I bake cakes and biscuits and sell them around the neighbourhood, Mother-in-law she snuffled, tears streaming down her cheeks.
But Peter doesnt want me working outside. He says I should stay home and look after the baby.
The disappointment hit me so hard I nearly keeled over.
Is this what Ive raised? A man who lets his own family starve?
Pack your bags. And Olivers. Youre coming to live with me, I declared, not thinking twice.
But Mother-in-law what about your son?
My son is useless.
You are my daughter-in-law.
And that baby is my grandson.
Full stop.
I took them with me that very day.
Peter threw a massive tantrum.
My family told me Id lost my marbles, that I shouldnt interfere, that these are marital problems.
Marital problems?
I hired the sharpest solicitor I could find.
Burned through my savings.
But it was worth it.
Now that lazy lump is legally required to pay child support.
If he doesnt, the law will be breathing down his neck.
Madeleine thrived in my home.
She started smiling again.
My grandson is now plump and healthy.
And she landed a job in an office.
Madeleine has always been clever, hardworking, and beautiful.
But my son had crushed her so much she couldnt see it anymore.
Now, heres where the bad mother bit comes into play.
Last week, I strolled through the shopping centre and bought her three gorgeous outfits.
A blue dress that fits her to perfection.
Smart trousers with a crisp white blouse.
And a casual, yet lovely ensemble.
Mother-in-law what are these for? she asked, baffled.
Remember Alexander, the son of my friend Rosemary? Hes an engineer.
I had a word with him about you, and he wants to take you out for coffee.
Mother-in-law! Im still married to your son
Married on paper, my dear.
That marriage ended ages ago.
You have every right to start afresh.
Alexanders a decent chap. Ive known him since he was knee-high.
Good job, well-mannered
When I showed him your photo, he said youre stunning.
Madeleine blushed.
But in her eyes, I saw something I hadnt seen in ageshope.
I dont know, Mother-in-law What will people say?
People?
Let them talk til theyre blue in the face.
The same people stood quiet while my son let you go hungry.
Go for that coffee, Madeleine.
Put on the lovely clothes.
Smile.
Meet new people.
You deserve it.
When Peter found out, he rang me up in a rage.
How dare I do this to his wife.
I hung up on him.
My sister told me I was destroying a marriage.
My brother-in-law said I was meddling in things I should leave alone.
But I saw something.
I saw Madeleine return from that coffee date glowing.
I saw Alexander pick her up for the cinema the next week.
I saw little Oliver giggling when Alexander brought him a teddy bear.
And I saw my son calling, pleading, promising hed changeonly once he realised he truly lost her.
You know what?
I regret nothing.
Yes, I am Peters mother.
But first and foremost, Im a woman.
And no woman deserves what my son put Madeleine through.
So tell me
Am I a bad mother for helping my daughter-in-law find her happiness again?
