I bought my daughter-in-law new clothes so she could go out with another man and they called me a bad mother. I just couldnt believe it. My own family called me a bad mother when they found out what Id done.
But let me tell you the whole story first, before you judge me.
It began several months ago, when I went to visit my son, William, and his wife, Emily. I knocked on their door and heard quiet sobbing from inside. When Emily opened up, her eyes were swollen from crying and she was holding my tiny grandson, little Henry. He looked so frail that it broke my heart.
Mother-in-law thank goodness youre here, she whispered, her voice trembling.
My dear, whats happened? Why are you crying? I asked gently as I stepped inside.
Thats when it all came out.
My sonthis foolish boy I raisedwasnt giving her any money for food. He said there wasnt enough. Yet every weekend, hed go out with his friends to pubs and bars. And as if that wasnt enough, he was seeing other women too.
Emily what on earth do you eat? I asked, horrified.
I bake cakes and biscuits and sell them in the neighbourhood, Mother-in-law she replied as fresh tears rolled down her cheeks. But William doesnt want me to work outside the house. Says I should look after the baby.
The disappointment I felt was so overwhelming I could barely stand. Is this how Id raised my son? A man who would let his own family go hungry?
Pack your things. And Henrys. Youre coming to live with me, I blurted out without thinking.
But Mother-in-law what about your son?
My son is useless.
Youre my daughter-in-law.
And that baby is my grandson.
Full stop.
I took them that very day. William made a huge scene. My family said I’d lost my mind. They told me, You shouldnt interfere, These are matters between husband and wife. Matters between husband and wife? I found the best solicitor I could and spent my savings. But it was worth it.
Now that layabout is legally required to pay support. And if he doesn’the’ll face serious trouble.
Emily blossomed in my home. She started smiling again. Henry grew chubby and healthy. Emily found a job at an office. My daughter-in-law has always been bright, hardworking, and beautiful. But my son had crushed her so much, she couldn’t even see it herself anymore.
And here’s the part that made everyone call me a bad mother.
Last week, I went to the shopping centre and bought her three gorgeous outfits. A stunning blue dress that suits her perfectly. Smart trousers and a white blouse. And a casual but lovely set.
Mother-in-law what are these for? she asked, puzzled.
Do you remember Alexander, the son of my friend Rosemary? The engineer. I spoke to him about you. He wants to invite you out for coffee.
Mother-in-law! But Im still married to your son
Married only on paper, my dear.
That marriage ended a long time ago.
You have every right to start your life again.
Alexander is a good man. I’ve known him since he was a boy.
He has a steady job, hes polite
And when I showed him your photo, he said you were beautiful.
Emily blushed. But I saw something in her eyes that I hadnt seen for monthsa flicker of hope.
I dont know, Mother-in-law what will people say?
People? Let them talk.
Those same people kept their mouths shut when my son left you hungry.
Go to that coffee, Emily.
Wear the lovely clothes.
Smile.
Meet new people.
You deserve it.
When William found out, he called me raging. How dare I do such a thing to his wife. I hung up on him.
My sister said I was destroying a marriage. My brother-in-law told me I was meddling where I shouldnt.
But I saw something.
I saw Emily come back radiant from that coffee date.
I saw Alexander pick her up the next week for the cinema.
I saw little Henry laugh when Alexander brought him a teddy bear.
And I saw my son cry and beg, promising to change, once he realised he’d truly lost her.
Do you know what?
I regret nothing.
Yes, I am his mother. But first and foremost, I am a woman.
And no woman deserves what my son put her through.
So tell me:
Am I a bad mother, because I helped my daughter-in-law find happiness again?
