My domineering mother-in-law booted me and my newborn out of her house because she didn’t want us around her son. I found her going through a garbage can years later. What happened?
Timothy was born after three years of marriage for Jonathan and me. Jonathan’s mother, Mrs. Norris, lived with us in Austin, Texas. She wasn’t the worst but wasn’t the finest.
Mrs. Norris sought complete control, especially over Jonathan’s life. He was a “mama’s boy” who never disobeyed her, so Mrs. Norris felt safe. Not immediately.
But when I met Jonathan, things changed.
He started spending more time with me, which made Mrs. Norris think I was separating them. She seemed to hate me and suggested we go, but Jonathan ignored me.
Don’t worry, darling—you know Mom. She may appear tough, yet she’s soft. She loves you like she loves me.”
I knew better, and my worst worries came true.
“Get out of my house with that baby!” Mrs. Norris shouted at me when Jonathan and I brought our newborn boy home from the hospital. She didn’t visit me during birth, indicating her dislike.
“What’s wrong, Mrs. Norris?” Completely bewildered, I asked. It was surprising she wanted us gone despite knowing she didn’t like me. We recently took her grandchild home.
“What’s wrong?” shoots back. “That’s not my son’s child! He looks nothing like him!” She wrongly accused, yelling.
“Mrs. Norris!” I cried. “How can you say that? Your grandson!” I asked my hubby for help. “Jonathan, why are you quiet? You know he—”
Before I could finish, Mrs. Norris interrupted. “Enough with fake tears! You’ve ruined his life. Take your stuff and go!” She challenged Jonathan, bringing him close.
I glanced to Jonathan for reassurance, but he said nothing. Without looking at me, he stood next to his mom.
I was surprised Jonathan didn’t fight his parents, especially though it could cost him his son. I knew this was my lowest point, yet I thought it could be nice to escape such pessimism. I moved back in with my parents after packing.
For years, I raised Timothy alone, making sure he had all he needed. After healing from my terrible marriage to Jonathan, I filed for divorce and became a single mom.
Life improved a few years after divorce. I met Edward at Timothy’s school. There was something about this widower with a daughter named Caroline. Our relationship led to marriage.
Edward brought me happiness I never knew was possible. Until one unforeseen event, Jonathan’s gloomy days seemed distant.
Several years after…
After dropping Caroline and Timothy off at school, I saw an elderly woman searching a garbage can for food on my way to work.
Watching her broke my heart. How desperate must she be to end up here? It occurred to me.
Wanting to help, I grabbed some cash from my purse and left my car. I saw a feature on her ragged coat as I approached, paused mid-step and caused a car behind me to honk furiously. I was surprised to see her as she turned.
Oh my God, Mrs. Norris? I exclaimed, seeing my mother-in-law in such distress.
I ran to her in shock and worry. “What are you doing here, Mrs. Norris?”
She glanced up at me with tears. “Abbie? “I’m sorry for everything,” she cried. “I’m hungry… I haven’t eaten properly in days.” Her voice was feeble, and her face showed suffering and anguish.
Despite our turbulent past, seeing Mrs. Norris so weak and dejected moved me. I couldn’t leave a needy person, regardless of our history.
I took a day off and drove her to a local restaurant, emotional. I struggled to reconcile the strong lady I once knew with the fragile one beside me. However, all I saw was a distressed person, and I knew I had to help.
My head was full of questions while driving. Where was Jonathan? Why did Mrs. Norris search a garbage can? What happened?
I felt sad for Mrs. Norris as she enthusiastically gobbled our soup and sandwich. The meal barely hit the table before she ate.
After she finished, I carefully raised my concern. “Mrs. Norris, how did you get here? Where’s Jonathan?
She opened with a sigh and tears. “I’ve paid a high price for my actions, sweetheart,” she mourned. “I lost everything. Jonathan is no longer with me. Since his passing, I have been lost without him.
She cried as she recalled Jonathan’s ambush by thugs on his way home from work. He tried to defend himself but died before reaching the hospital from his injuries.
The loss of her son devastated Mrs. Norris. She said she spent nights snuggled up on his bed, hanging onto his items like a part of him. Grief and inability to live without Jonathan drove her to withdraw.
Listening to her, I realized I couldn’t comprehend her anguish. I felt for her, despite our bad relationship, since losing a child is inconceivable. I wouldn’t desire anyone to live without a loved one.
“The house—it haunts me,” she said. “Every corner reminds me of my losses… I’ve hurt you. Abbie, I’m sorry. Can you forgive me?
The damaged woman before me was Mrs. Norris? I couldn’t believe it. Though she harmed me, no one deserved her misery.
“It’s okay, Mrs. Norris,” I said. “Everything we did is behind me. I’ve experienced much enjoyment since then. I love my hubby and two kids.”
Mrs. Norris seemed surprised. “You remarried?”
I nodded, smiling warmly. “Yes, and I never was happier.”
I caught a glimpse of jealousy or sorrow in her countenance. She glanced at me before looking away, ashamed by her emotions.
I helped anyway. I occasionally stopped by her house to provide encouragement. The decision felt natural.
Edward was sympathetic and compassionate when I told him everything. We hosted Mrs. Norris in our home to keep her from feeling lonely. We moved forward, leaving bad memories behind and making new, positive ones.
