My little one threw her arms around my neck and sobbed, Mummy, I dont ever want to go to Nanas again. Please, Mum, dont make me go.
And it had been only three days that the children spent with my husbands parents. They live out in the countryside, in a detached house. My youngest, Emily, is four, and her brother, Oliver, is six. Granddad was quite adamant about having the children stay at their place. Only later did I learn the reason behind it all.
Claire (the main character in the story) never truly got along with her in-laws. Her mother-in-law, on several occasions, made it quite clear that Claire was not good enough for her son. Because of this, Claire tolerated her but never once enjoyed being in her mother-in-laws home. There was always bickering and cross words. Even her own husband never wanted to visit much, returning in a sour mood each time.
With time, visits to her in-laws were strictly limited to the holidays. They couldnt decline an invitation to Granddads birthday celebration, especially since the children hadnt seen their grandparents in a long while.
The party went smoothly. Remarkably, not a single unkind word was directed at anyone. The only thing was that Granddad managed to persuade the children to stay a few days, promising Oliver and Emily an exciting ride on his quad bike around the fields.
Naturally, the children were delighted with their granddads offer. They pleaded with Claire to let them stay with their grandparents. Eventually, Claire relented, though she couldnt ignore the fact that, for all the years, the grandparents had never even bought the children a chocolate bar. Still, Claire had wanted to paint the living room for ages, and simply couldnt manage the job with the children around. If only shed known what would unfold…
The children returned, tears streaming down their faces. Emily was beside herself, and then Oliver broke down as well. They didnt want to tell their parents what happened, and it took quite a while for the truth to come to light.
Granddad had taken the children for their promised quad bike ride through the frosty fields, and theyd had a grand time. But back at the house, Grandma began berating their mum in front of the children. When Oliver, bless him, tried to defend his mother, his grandmother grabbed him by the collarlike a dog, Claire thought with horrorand dragged him out to the garden shed. He was still in his indoor clothes, shivering in the freezing cold. Then she marched Emily outside too and slammed the door behind them.
Granddad had been tinkering in the garage at the time. Hearing the childrens wails, he rushed out and was utterly appalled by what he saw. For the first time in his life, he raised his voiceand his handtowards his wife. Fearing they might never see the grandchildren again, Granddad begged the children not to tell their parents.
Its hard to describe the shock and anger I felt as I wrote this entry. This has taught me that a loving environment is more important than keeping up appearances. No child should have to choose between family and feeling safe. I realise now, above all, that my childrens well-being must come first, no matter what traditions or expectations say.
