In my old age, my children suddenly remember they have a mother, but I will never forget how they treated me.
When my husband left me for a younger woman, the children firmly took his sideafter all, he was a respected man, the managing director of a well-known company. For years, they barely gave me a thought, and I was left completely alone. Only recently, after their father passed away, did they discover that hed left everything he had to his much younger wife.
Now, my children seem to have grown interested in me again. They make more frequent visits and calls, but I understand exactly why Not long ago, my daughter began hinting that I ought to start thinking about the future, about my will. None of them suspect what I have planned for them. The truth will come out after Im gone.
In my old age, my children suddenly remember they have a mother, but I will never forget how they once treated me.
The years went by, and I felt as though I was lost somewhere at the edge of the world. My children always looked at me as if I were a stranger, as though we spoke entirely different languages.
When my marriage ended, it was the final blow to whatever bond we had left. They sided with their fatherhis reputation and position as managing director meant more than anything else.
Frankly, it was more convenient to be with him. And me? I was left all alone. An abandoned wife, a deserted mother.
They quickly forgot about me, and I only heard through distant acquaintances how cheerfully they lived alongside their father and his new, young wife. Together, they travelled abroad, dined in fancy restaurants, made big plans for their futures.
Meanwhile, I stayed behind in my empty flat. Every piece of news about them felt like a fresh cut.
At some point, I realised: I needed to start living for myself. I moved to another country for work. For the first time in years, I felt liberated.
In my old age, my children have suddenly remembered their mother, but I cant forget how they behaved towards me.
By the end of my time working, Id saved enough to transform my life. When I returned home, I renovated the flat, bought new furniture and appliances, and put some money aside for my old age.
In the meantime, my children built their own lives. Id heard through the grapevine that things were going very well for thembig weddings, children, celebrations. But then, unexpectedly, I received news that my ex-husband had died from a heart attack. Hed left everything to his young wife.
Both my son and daughter were left with nothing. Their bitterness quickly turned into fond recollections of their dear mother.
At first, they began showing up with small gifts. Boxes of biscuits, a bunch of grapes or applesalways checking how I was getting on. I greeted them warmly, but deep down I knew they each had their own motives.
Now Im seventy-two. Im healthy, energetic, and happy with my life. Not long ago, my daughter started to make sly remarkssuggesting its time to settle my affairs, hinting at my will. A few weeks later, my granddaughterwho married only last yearcame by for a visit.
Granny, arent you lonely living here by yourself? she asked, her eyes full of curiosity.
No, Im quite content here, thank you, I replied.
In my old age, my children have remembered I exist, but I remember all too well how they treated me.
But the flats enormous, she went on. It must be hard keeping it clean on your own. Maybe my husband and I could move in with you? Itd be more cheerful for you, and it would save us paying rent.
I smiled. Their calculations were obvious.
Who said you wouldnt have to pay anything? I answered calmly. Im sure I could offer you a fair discount.
My granddaughter was at a loss for words. She clearly expected me to embrace her and say: Take it, Id be delighted. But I had other plans.
Several years ago, I made a will that stipulates, very clearly, my flat will be sold after my death and the money donated to a charity for ill children.
When my daughter found out, she was furious. She rang up, shouting down the line that I was being unfair, that I was stealing her childrens future. My son turned up soon after, softly hinting that hed be happy to take care of me. Their sudden affection left me unmoved.
If you were me, would you let your granddaughter move in?
