I have always believed that the events in our lives are not mere chance we are all responsible for the outcomes we face, and we have ourselves to thank, or blame, for much of it. The choices we made in years gone by shape the existence we lead today. In my own life, I made a truly regrettable choice, tying my fate to a man without a sense of responsibility. I fell in love with William and placed all my trust in him, even though I knew he was something of a ladies’ man. How naïve I was to think he would change on my account. The truth is, people seldom change and when our son was born, William carried on just as before, always chasing after other women.
As the years wore on, whispers about Williams latest escapades began to reach my ears. Friends, neighbours, and even family members would mention them. The hurt and shame I felt difficult to describe; I dont know which stung more. I found myself trapped in that misery for five long years. Eventually, William left our flat and gave it to our son instead of paying child support. I rented the flat from my now ex-husband, moving in with my son and my mother, who needed constant care.
I always did my best to provide for my son, wanting him to have every opportunity I could afford. The money I earned from the rental went towards his schooling, clothing, and everything he needed. I wanted his childhood to be filled with happiness. The rest of what I brought in helped pay the bills, put food on the table, and buy medicine for my mother. I truly believed that when he grew up, my son would appreciate all that I had sacrificed for him. But now, looking back as a woman of 57 battling diabetes, my heart aches. Day after day, I must keep a close watch on my blood sugar and administer regular insulin injections to simply get by.
Because of my health, I am unable to work, and truthfully, no one wants to employ a woman of my age who is afflicted with diabetes. My only income comes from the flat I rent out. Recently, my son, Henry, who has just turned 31, told me the tenants in his fathers old flat would have to leave; he wants to move in with his wife. When I explained I would no longer have a place to live, he simply replied, Thats your problem.
I cannot fathom why, after working tirelessly all my life, I failed to put away enough for a proper retirement. Im lost as to what to do now I need to buy my medication, keep food in the cupboard, pay the utilities. How could my own flesh and blood treat me this way? Who does he think he is?
