They told her directly: “We don’t want a ragamuffin for a daughter-in-law!”
I’m 57, without a family or children, but I want to offer some advice to all parents: don’t interfere in your son’s or daughter’s life, and don’t force them to live by your rules. What makes you happy may not necessarily bring them joy.
I am living proof of how, in their attempt to give me the best, my parents separated me from the woman I loved more than myself.
Mary came from a poor family, while my parents boasted of inherited lands and properties.
When I introduced her to them, they essentially drove her away, saying they wouldn’t accept a daughter-in-law like that. She left, offended but with her head held high.
She refused to move far away with me, just the two of us.
She would say that sooner or later, my parents would do everything to split us up.
Mary married her neighbor, someone just like her who had nothing.
The two of them worked hard and built a house on the edge of town.
They had three children, and any time I saw her on the street, she was always smiling and seemed happy.
I once asked her if she loved her husband.
Mary came from a poor family.
She replied that she had realized stability and understanding between spouses are more vital for a family. Without them, love alone isn’t enough.
I didn’t agree with her, but I couldn’t argue. I had no right because I felt like a traitor.
I couldn’t get over Mary, and unlike her, I never married.
I couldn’t imagine living with a woman and having children without loving her.
My parents tried to match me with girls they liked and thought were suitable, but I always refused.
Eventually, they accepted this and began urging me to choose a woman to my liking so that our family line could continue.
However, I didn’t want anyone other than Mary. But she had long since arranged her life, and I had no place in it.
My parents grew old, got sick, and eventually passed away one by one. I was left alone in our huge three-story house.
I rarely meet up with friends now, as they are busy with grandchildren and have no time for me. Frankly, I avoid them too.
I’m happy for their happiness but I also feel pain from it.
On weekends, I fill my time by painting and repairing play equipment in the parks around our town.
Sometimes I help with the gardens in local kindergartens.
I do it all voluntarily and without pay because I don’t need the money. This way, I bring joy to other people’s children and grandchildren.
I sold all the lands and properties my parents left me.
With the proceeds, I made donations to several schools and homes for abandoned children.
A friend asked me why I don’t donate to a retirement home. But I don’t want to.
As harsh as it may sound, it’s my way of avenging my parents, because of whom I am alone.
Besides, the future is in children, not the elderly, right?
Little ones need more care and a good start in life.
And when I die, my house will become the property of the school I graduated from.
They can use it for whatever they want or sell it. The important thing is it goes to a good cause.
