I always had the impression that my parents treated me unfairly. Let me start with my childhoodI practically grew up with my grandmother because my parents had to work tirelessly to support us. I still remember them dropping me off at Grans whenever they went about their business. Honestly, she was the one who raised me, and Ill always be deeply grateful to her.
Now, Ive got children of my owntwo daughters, Grace and Emily. My wife and I are both holding down two jobs so that we can save up for our own flat. Things were tough at first, trying to keep everything afloat, but my parents stepped in and offered a hand. Theyd take the girls to nursery, pick them up afterwards, take them out to different activities, and generally spend plenty of time with them.
In a nutshell, they looked after our girls while we worked ourselves to the bone. They understood our situation and were more than willing to help us out. But one day, Mum turned up and told me they were planning to let their flat and move down to a village in the countrysidea fair distance from where we live. That really upset me.
Mum, please, could you just wait a few more months before moving? Were so close to saving enough for our flat. If you go now, Ill have to quit my job and we wont get our own place this year, I pleaded.
Her reply caught me completely off guard. Were not staying here just for you. We want to move, and thats what were doing. But youll need to look after your own children yourself. You cant always rely on others. Its not our duty to help you, she said.
I was stunned by her response and felt hurt, but I kept my emotions in check. I didnt think those last few months would make any real difference to my parents, so I didnt try to talk them out of it. It dawned on me that they simply didnt want to spend their time with our girls, and I couldnt force them to care. My wife and I are used to facing challenges head on, and were perfectly capable of managing everything ourselves.
