My husband, John Smith, walked out on me. He grabbed the savings we had been putting aside for a house and vanished, leaving me in a small rented flat in Manchester with our sixmonthold daughter, Lily. My motherinlaw, Margaret Turner, heard the news and turned up at the door.
Pack a bag, you and Lily can stay with me, she said.
I tried to refuse. Margaret and I had been at odds for years, trading barbs and never uttering a kind word to each other. When John fled, Margaret was the only one who reached out. My own mother told me there was no room for me in her house, and my older sister, who lives with her children at our mothers, also warned me off, insisting I should fend for myself.
Thank you. Ill be grateful for your hospitality, I muttered, the first time I ever said thank you to Margaret.
Dont be ridiculous, she chuckled, scooping Lily into her arms. Come on, love. Let Mum get ready and we wont bother her. Will you stay with Grandma, dear? Of course you will. Grandma will tell you stories, take you for walks, braid your hair
Hearing Margarets gentle grumble, I could barely believe my ears. She had always warned me never to get close to her oldfashioned ways.
I packed a bag and moved in with Margaret. She prepared a spacious bedroom for us while she settled into a cosy little room of her own. I blinked in surprise, and she said, Whats the matter? Lily will need space soon; shell be crawling before long. I dont need much room myself. Make yourselves at home. Dinner will be ready in an hour.
For supper she offered steamed vegetables and boiled meat, adding, Youre nursing, so a light meal is best for the baby. If youd rather have something fried, just say the word. The fridge was stocked with rows of baby jars.
Thats enough new flavours, dont you think? If Lily doesnt like whats on offer, well buy something else. Speak up, dont be shy, Margaret smiled.
Tears welled up and I sobbed. Her unexpected kindness moved me deeply; nobody had ever cared for Lily and me the way she did, even though I had always seen her as my greatest adversary. She pulled me close and whispered, Shh, dear, hush now. Men are odd creatures. I raised your husband alone after his father left when he was eight months old. I wont let my granddaughter grow up without love. Thats enough, youve cried enough. Pull yourself together!
Through my tears I told her I hadnt expected such warmth, and I thanked her: Thank you, truly. If it werent for you, I dont know where Lily and I would be.
Im to blame for raising a reckless son, she replied. Ill try to mend some of the damage, as best I can. Come, wash your face and get to bed. Tomorrow will be brighter.
We celebrated Lilys first birthday togetherjust the three of us, me, Lily and Margaret, my favourite grandmother and guardian angel. After laying Lily down for her afternoon nap, we sipped tea and ate cake when the doorbell rang. Margaret went to answer.
Mum, meet Monika, a girl called out. Monika, this is my mother. The girls voice trembled. Mum, can we stay with you for a while? I cant afford rent, Ive lost my job.
Hearing Johns name, my heart froze. I feared Margaret would let them back in and throw Lily and me out. Tears rushed to my eyes.
Get out! Take your girlfriend and go, I shouted. You robbed your wife and child, left us penniless. Thats the price youve paid. Leave now, and Monika, be careful. He could abandon you too.
I was terribly wrong about Margaret. She became more than a second mother; she was the first. We lived under the same roof for six years, until I remarried. At my wedding she stood in the motherofthebrides place. Lily now goes to school, and a new baby boy will arrive soon. Margaret beams at the thought of a grandson.
Kindness, even from someone once deemed an enemy, can turn a house into a home and a stranger into family. The lesson is clear: never let past grievances blind you to the goodwill that may be waiting just beyond the front door.
