Betrayal is one of the most awful emotions, but it takes on even more horrific proportions when it comes from a close family member. That’s the situation with Josie, who was devastated when her son lied to her. The dedicated mother decided to give her house to her son and his young wife so they could start a family comfortably, but things turned out differently than Josie could have imagined. She wrote to us to share her story and ask for advice.
Here’s her story. I live alone in a three-bedroom house. My freshly married son kept claiming it was the ideal place to start a family, so I gave it to them while I went to live with my widowed sister. My son told me yesterday that his mother-in-law is moving in with them. I responded, “I didn’t leave my home to have her live with you.” My daughter-in-law said, “We lied about starting a family straight away.
We are not prepared yet; we are too young. She added, “But my mother is alone. We have a large house today, so she will come live with us.” I was outraged and declared that I did not agree to this arrangement. I informed her that it was still technically my home. My son then stated, “My mother-in-law is in far greater need of us than you are. She is now a member of my family, and I am responsible for her.” I feel misled and heartbroken. What shall I do?