My father-in-law was absolutely speechless when he saw the state we were living in.
I first met my husband at the wedding of a mutual friend. Id just moved to London and found myself a proper job. To be candid, I was over the moon at finally escaping the sleepy countryside. Our relationship blossomed at record speedbefore I knew it, we had a baby daughter within the first year.
But then, things went pear-shaped.
Why is our daughter a blonde with blue eyes when both of us are dark-haired? he asked, frowning.
Darling, she must get it from your dad. Look, theyre two peas in a pod, I replied hopefully.
Oh, come off it. Kids always look like their parentsnot random relatives. Even my mum reckons shes not mine.
And thats when the mother-in-law drama kicked off. Shed never warmed up to me and was convinced I couldnt possibly love her precious son. Honestly, shed have been thrilled to see me disappear. My father-in-law, on the other hand, was a lovely chapdivorced from her ages ago, hed remarried but never lost touch with his son.
It all came to a head when my husband brought another woman home, asking me to quickly pack my things and leave. I didnt have a choice.
There was nowhere for me to go. My own parents would never take me back with a childnot with the neighbours watching, and not into a draughty, unheated cottage. I rang my best mate, Claire, who let me crash for a few days. Later, I managed to rent a room for my daughter and me, but the pennies were starting to run thin.
One day, I popped into Sainsburys, and heard a familiar voice call out, Girls, where have you got to? I even drove to the country trying to find you, my father-in-law exclaimed.
How are you? Its good to see you, I whispered, trying not to make a scene at the crisps aisle.
I know what my son did was inexcusableand his mum is just as bad. Where are you living now? he asked.
Were just renting a room, I admitted.
Alright. Im in a rush off for a work trip. As soon as I get back, well sort out your housing situation, he said, pulling out an envelope. Here you goshould cover about two weeks.
I was relieveda least I could buy groceries and milk for my little one.
My father-in-law returned earlier than expected and came to visit. He was utterly thunderstruck at the conditions. He couldnt have us move inhis new wife wouldnt hear of itbut he did something else instead: he spent all his savings to buy a flat and put it in my daughter’s name. I tried to decline the gift, but he wouldnt budge. It wasnt for me, he insisted, it was for his granddaughter.
Within a month, my daughter and I settled into our cosy little home. My father-in-law even showed up with furniture and a kettlehes practical like that.
Dont rush to put your daughter in nursery, he said. She needs her mum. Ill help out, dont worry. And my wifes had a change of heartshed like to meet her granddaughter.
Thank you so much!
Dry your eyes, love. You can always come to me for helpnever be afraid to ask. Everything sorts itself out with time, youll see.
Im grateful my daughter has such a fantastic grandfather, even if her dad turned out to be a bit of a lemon. He gave everything he had to help us get back on our feet.
Years passed, I got remarried, but I never forgot my father-in-law. Hes always welcome in our home for a cuppa, and we often stop around at his. Everythings ticking along nicely for us now.
