Three years ago, in 2020, life changed dramatically for many of us. We had to adjust to the “new normal” brought on by COVID-19. This meant dealing with hybrid work environments and homeschooling, which was incredibly stressful.
One couple faced immense challenges during this time. The wife had to quit her job to homeschool their three children, resulting in a significant loss of income for the family.
Struggling to Stay Afloat
Before this, they relied on both their salaries to cover essential living expenses like bills and rent. With the wife no longer working, they couldn’t afford to keep a roof over their heads. Desperate, they asked the husband’s mother if they could temporarily stay with her while they sorted out their finances.
Hitting Rock Bottom
The mother initially agreed to let them stay in two bedrooms of her house. But when she found out they were being evicted and had nowhere else to go, she withdrew her offer.
Without a home, the couple searched frantically for shelters that would take them and their children. However, the pandemic had left many other families in similar situations, making it difficult to find a place to stay.
The family ended up living in their car for four months. Eventually, they found space in a homeless shelter, but the mother-in-law kept her distance, straining her relationship with the couple.
Feeling Betrayed
The husband and wife couldn’t help but feel bitter towards the mother-in-law. They believed she could have helped them in their time of need. To make matters worse, the husband’s sister made them feel unwelcome whenever they asked to shower at her house.
“We were treated like unwanted people just because we had three children, were over 30, and were having financial difficulties,” the wife recalled. She was deeply hurt and offended by her sister-in-law’s behavior, especially since she had inherited her home and hadn’t paid taxes for five years.
A Determined Comeback
Determined not to let their hardships defeat them, the couple worked tirelessly to provide a better life for their children. They managed to secure regular jobs and even started their own business to boost their income. They were immensely proud of their progress, having gone from living in a van to having stable jobs and a new home—all without family support.
A Twist of Fate
As the saying goes, “What goes around, comes around.” The mother-in-law soon found herself in a tough spot. With reduced working hours and no retirement benefits, she faced eviction and a notice of lease termination. Desperate, she turned to her son and daughter-in-law for help.
“She came here yesterday afternoon and asked us if she could stay here,” the wife recounted. Despite the dire circumstances, she found it ironic that the same woman who had turned them away when they were homeless was now asking for their assistance.
Standing Their Ground
The wife told her mother-in-law, “There’s no chance of that happening,” which angered her. The mother-in-law then turned to her son for support, but he sided with his wife. He couldn’t forget how his mother had let her grandchildren live in a van for four months.
The mother-in-law left in tears, insisting that her situation was “completely different.” She told her daughter what happened, and soon after, the daughter called her brother to scold him for not helping their mother. It’s unclear why the daughter couldn’t take her own mother in, but the couple suggested she consider a nursing home instead.
Mixed Reactions
Friends thought the couple’s decision was harsh, but they found support online. One Facebook user commented, “SIL should handle mama dearest. Seems a fitting end for them all.” Another added, “Nothing mean can come from your husband agreeing with you. She declined to assist you. SIL is able to house her.”
What are your thoughts on this precarious situation? Let us know!
