My mum passed away when I was just eight years old. Dad started drinking heavily, and there were times when our cupboards were bare. I would ask for food at school, struggled with my lessons, wore shabby clothes, and eventually teachers noticed.
Social workers visited our home several times, and soon Dad was put under strict guidance; if he didnt follow their rules, he could lose his parental rights. Thankfully, Dad sobered up and things improved; the inspectors were satisfied on their later visits.
Not long after, Dad told me he wanted me to meet a lady he fancied. We visited Aunt Marys. I was anxious about meeting her, still haunted by memories of Mum, and wasnt keen on Dads decision to be with Aunt Mary.
As we chatted, I immediately sensed her kindness. I quickly became friends with her son, who was a year older, and soon we were both joining the local sports club together. Dad was pleased that I got along with them, and after a month we moved in with Aunt Mary, renting out our flat to tenants for a bit of extra money.
Dad never got the chance to marry Aunt Mary. He was hit and killed by a car, the driver drunk behind the wheel. On paper, I had no connection to Aunt Mary, so the authorities took me to a childrens home. As I left, Aunt Mary promised shed bring me back as soon as possible.
She stayed true to her word, and two months later I returned to her house. Those two months were long enough to expose me to the tough environment of the childrens home. I was deeply grateful that Aunt Mary hadnt deserted me; instead she became a true second mum. Whenever I called her Mum, I often saw her wipe away tears. Aunt Mary is a wonderful person, and her son feels like a real brother.
Now were grown with our own families, but Mother Mary remains the person closest to us both. Twice a mother-in-law, shes never quarreled with either daughter-in-law, and no one ever calls her mother-in-law. Both my wife and my brothers wife lovingly call her Mother Mary because of her warmth and understanding. Every time I hear them say her name, Marys eyes light up with genuine happiness.
