My husband left with everything, but it was my mother-in-law who saved me.
When I found myself alone, clutching my six-month-old daughter and an empty purse, I was certain it was the end. My husband hadnt just lefthed vanished, taking all our savings to start anew elsewhere. He abandoned us in a rented flat with no support, no explanation. I didnt even know where to begin.
I expected no help. My own mother had cast me aside with a cold dismissal: Ive no room. My elder sister ruled her own crowded household, and I was unwelcome there. I was alone. Abandoned.
Then came a knock at the door. I couldnt believe my eyes when I sawMargaret, my mother-in-law. A woman with whom Id shared years of tension, even bitterness. I braced for scorn, for blame, but she only said firmly:
Pack your things. Youre coming home with me and the child.
I gaped.
Margaret, Ithank you, but perhaps it isnt I stammered, but she cut me off.
Nonsense. Youre no strangeryoure the mother of my granddaughter. Come now.
She took the baby into her arms, smiling softly, murmuring, There, my lamb. Granny will tell you stories. Well take walks, Ill plait your hair while your mother gathers her things.
I stood frozen. This woman, who once claimed Id trapped her son with a baby, now cradled my daughter like her own. I packed in a daze, scarcely believing it.
Margaret settled us in the largest room of her cottage while she moved into the smaller one. I protested, but she waved me off.
Youre a mother. A child needs spaceshell be crawling soon. Ive lived in tighter spots than this.
For supper, she served steamed vegetables and boiled beef.
Youre nursing, she explained. I couldve roasted it, but this is gentler for you both.
In the larder, shed stocked jars of baby food.
Time she tried new tastes. If she dislikes one, well find another. Tell me what she fancies.
I broke then, weeping into her shoulder like a child. No one had ever shown me such kindness.
She held me close.
Hush, love. Men are like thatblown by the wind. I raised my son alonehis father left when he was eight months old. I wont have my granddaughter know such hardship. Well manage. Youre stronger than you think.
The year slipped by like a dream. On my daughters first birthday, we blew out the candles togetherme, the babe, and the woman Id once called my enemy. Over tea and laughter, I no longer felt a forsaken mother, but part of a family.
Then came another knock.
Mum? My ex-husbands voice rang through the door. Ive someone to meet youVictoria. Can we stay a few months? Ive no work, no means for rent
My blood ran cold. What if she let him in? He was her son, after all.
Margaret didnt flinch.
Be off with you. Take her and go. You left your wife and babe penniless, and now you dare return? Youre no son of mine. And you, girl she glared at the strangerbest watch your step with him.
With that, she slammed the door, leaving me shakenbut certain, at last, that Id found my true family.
