My son has just marked his thirty-first birthday, and only recently he announced that the tenants living in his fathers London flat must leave, as he and his wife plan to move in.
I am convinced that fate is no accidenteach person forges their own future, and what we own is the result of our decisions. The choices we made years ago have shaped where we stand today. In my own life, I made a terrible mistake by trusting a man who was never dependable. I was captivated by Paul, believing he would change for me, even though I knew he was unfaithful. I clung to hope, but people rarely changewhen our son was born, Paul continued chasing other women.
Recently, rumours of Pauls latest indiscretions began circulating. Friends, neighbours, even family members brought me stories. The humiliation and pain were overwhelming, and I couldnt tell which stung more. I endured this for five years. Eventually, Paul abandoned the flat and signed it over to our son to avoid paying maintenance. I ended up renting the flat from my ex-husband, living there with my son and my mother, who needed constant care.
I always tried to give my son the best upbringing I could. Every pound I earned from letting the flat went towards his schooling, clothes, and essentials. I wanted his childhood to be joyful. The rent also paid for groceries, bills, and my mothers medicine. I hoped that, when he grew up, he would appreciate all I had done. Sadly, now at fifty-seven, I am battling diabetes. I must monitor my blood sugar and inject insulin daily just to get by.
Because of my illness, I cannot work, and no employer wants to hire a woman my age with diabetes. The rent from the flat is my only income. My son, now thirty-one, recently told me the tenants must go, as he and his wife want to live there. When I explained I would be left homeless, he said it was my problem to sort out.
I cannot understand how, after a lifetime of effort, I have nothing set aside for my old age. I am truly lost I need to buy medicine, food, and pay the bills. How could my own child treat me so coldly? What gives him the right?
