When my mum discovered that I was married, had a solid job, and owned my own flat, she was quick to turn up asking for financial help.
Mum had always been very strict with me. My father was often away on business trips, leaving her to raise me on her own. Dad loved me, but every time he came home, it meant an armful of presents for me. Mum, on the other hand, never showed much affection. One day, Dad left for a trip and simply never came back.
I never had friends at school. I turned up wearing clothes that made me look like a beggar, dressed in an old uniform Mum had picked up on the street. She constantly told me, Wear what youve got. I need to get my own life in order and havent got any money for you. So, I wore those shabby clothes throughout Year Six, never complaining.
Later on, a neighbour gave me her daughters old school uniform after shed left for college. I wore it right up until I finished. As for shoes, I simply made do with whatever pair happened to fit, and they lasted me several years before finally becoming too tight. Somehow, after all that, I managed to do well at secondary school and decided to study economics at university. Even there, I continued to wear hand-me-downs from mates whod grown bored of their own kit.
One day, I met Matthew, whod graduated a few years ahead of me. We started seeing each other, and it wasnt long before he introduced me to his parents. When I went to visit, I was embarrassed by my old, worn-out shoesmy feet were soakedbut his mother pretended not to notice. The very next day, she invited me round again and handed me a brand new pair of shoes as a gift.
Id worried that Matthews parents wouldnt like me, but in no time at all, they started treating me like one of their own. I never understood what I did to deserve it. They even gave us a house as a wedding present, and after I finished university, my mother-in-law offered me a job at her company, where I earned a decent wage. For the first time, I could finally afford the things I needed. Ill never stop thanking God for helping me make it through life against all odds. Family is everything.
When my mum realised I was married, had a good job, and my own place, she was quick to come around and ask for money. However, our conversation was overheard by my stepmother. She immediately called my husband and son home. In the end, my husband told my mum she shouldnt expect anything more from me. He told her he was grateful to have a daughter, but that she mustnt come to our house again. Since that day, my mum hasnt made contact, and now Im looking forward to welcoming my first child.
