What difference does it make who cared for Grandma! The flat should legally belong to me! my mother argues heatedly with me.
My own mother is threatening to take me to court. Why? Because the flat my grandmother left in her will didnt go to her, nor even to me, but to my daughter. My mother feels this is dreadfully unfair. She is convinced that Grans flat ought to have become hers. But Grandma had other ideas. Why? Most likely because my wife and I lived with her for the last five years, making sure she was looked after.
Theres really no kind way to say it: my mother is terribly self-centred. Throughout her life, her own wants and needs always mattered more to her than anyone elses. Shes been married three times, but only had two children: myself, and my younger sister. My sister and I have always got on brilliantly. Our relationship with Mum, though, has never been easy.
I cant even remember my fatherhe divorced my mother when I was just two. Until I was six, Mum and I lived with Grandma in a terraced house on the outskirts of Manchester. For some reason, I always thought Gran was terribly sternperhaps because Mum was so often in tears. It was only years later, as an adult, that I realised how good a soul Gran was. All she wanted was to help her daughter find her feet.
After that, Mum remarried, and the two of us moved in with my new stepdad. My sister was born during that marriage. They lasted together for seven years, then Mum divorced again. We didnt go back to Grans place this time. Stepdad left for a job down south, letting us stay in his flat for the time being. Three years later, Mum married for the third time and we moved in with husband number three.
He was never thrilled about taking on someone elses kids, but never did us any harmhe simply ignored us. Mum, too, seemed to forget we existed. She was utterly preoccupied with her new husband, endlessly jealous, with frequent scenes that ended in plates smashed on the kitchen floor.
About once a month, Mum would threaten to pack her bags and leave. Stepdad always managed to talk her down. My sister and I grew used to these melodramas and paid them little mind. I ended up practically raising my sisterMum was simply too busy. Thankfully we had Gran, who helped us massively. Later, I moved into halls at university, while my sister went to live with Grandma. Our father always lent her a hand, but Mum would only ever ring on Christmas or birthdays.
I accepted Mum just as she was, long used to her indifference and lack of concern. My sister, however, never came to terms with it. She was deeply hurt when Mum failed to attend her school-leaving party.
We grew up in the end. My sister married and moved with her husband to Bristol. My girlfriend and I, though long together, made no rush to tie the knot. We rented a small flat in Leeds, visiting Granny often. We were always very close, though I tried not to be a bother to her.
Then Gran fell ill and ended up in hospital. The doctors told me she needed proper care. So I began visiting her every day, bringing groceries, cooking meals, tidying her home, or just chatting. Most important, I made sure she got her medication on time.
For six months, I visited her dailysometimes bringing my girlfriend along, who was always willing to help with repairs or put things in order. One day, Gran suggested we move in with her. She thought we could save for our own place this way, rather than waste money on rent.
Naturally, we agreed at once. Granny adored my girlfriend, and the feeling was mutual. Six months later, I found out we were expecting a baby. There was no questionwed keep it. Gran was thrilled at the thought of a great-grandchild. We held a small weddingjust a visit to the registry office followed by cakes and tea in a local café. My mother didnt attend. She didnt even bother to call.
When our daughter was just two months old, Gran had a fall and broke her leg. I struggled to care for both my gran and a tiny baby. I desperately needed Mums help. I rang to askbut she refused, saying she wasnt feeling well and would come another time. As usual, she never did.
Six months on, Gran suffered a stroke, leaving her completely bedridden. Looking after her was incredibly hard for meif not for my wife, I truly dont know what I would have done. Gran rallied a bit, eventually regaining some speech and movement. She lived another two and a half years after that, just long enough to see her great-granddaughter take her first steps. Then she passed away quietly in her sleep. For my wife and me, her death was a terrible blow: we had loved her dearly and miss her every day.
Mum only returned for the funeral. A month later, she showed up againthis time trying to throw me out and claim the flat. She was certain it would be hers. What she didnt know was that Gran had left the place to my daughter, right after she was born. So my mother got nothing.
She was furious, demanding I hand over the flat or else shed take us to court.
Look at you! she shouted. Scheming like thattricking an old lady out of her home, only to keep it for yourself! You wont get away with this! It doesnt matter who cared for Grandma! That flat ought to be mine!
But my mother wont get any flat. Im sure of itIve already spoken with a solicitor and checked everything with the notary. Well carry on living in the home Grandma left us. And if our second child is a girl, well name her after Gran, to keep her memory close.
