Recently, my daughter went through a divorce and moved in with us, bringing her young child along. We live in a small flat, my husband and I, and now our daughter and her baby, too. I initially thought she could spend some time at my mother’s place while on maternity leave, but that’s no longer possible. At 68, my mum decided to remarry, and now she lives with her new husband.
When Mum called to inform me about her marriage plans, I first thought she was kidding given her age. But it turned out to be true. Mum had been living alone since my dad passed away 20 years ago. I left home at 35, and now live with my husband and kids in town. I visit Mum a few times a month and during holidays.
Thank goodness, Mum is in good health and manages the housework herself. My husband and I help when there’s a garden to weed or firewood to chop, but Mum handles most tasks on her own.
Now, she’s brought someone else into her home. It feels like a betrayal! She shouldn’t have done this to us. Her fiancé was an old friend from her youth. They reconnected a few years ago and tied the knot in early July. Their wedding was held at the registry office with a modest celebration at a restaurant for close family.
My husband, children, and I skipped the wedding – I found it embarrassing! What was the point? They could’ve just continued as they were. I can’t get behind this marriage. Mum’s spacious home is now shared with her husband.
Mum’s husband doesn’t have any assets, just three children and a host of grandkids. Why did she go through with it? It feels like a betrayal. Now that they’re legally married, Mum’s husband has a legitimate claim to our inheritance. We’re cramped in a little flat as it is.
With my daughter moving back in after her divorce, I’m helping her with the little one. Meanwhile, my son lives in a rented flat with his girlfriend. I thought my daughter could spend time at Mum’s during her maternity leave, but Mum’s begun a new chapter.
We haven’t spoken for over six months. Recently, my aunt from the countryside, Mum’s sister, called to scold us. She insisted we were being unfair and that Mum deserved happiness. She believes that focusing on inheritance while Mum’s still alive is inhumane. I wish they’d understand my side, too.
It could end up that, instead of Mum’s house, we’re left inheriting a stranger who’s just an old man with countless issues and needy family members who won’t forfeit their inheritance share. In this matter, I believe I’m in the right, not Mum.
