The son refuses to let his mother move in because he insists there’s only one lady in the house—and that lady is me.

This isnt right! After all, shes his mother! He can take her to his own home! such remarks echo from those closest to my husband. I know my own friends feel the same way, but no one says it aloud to my face. The reason is the situation with my mother-in-law.

Edith is eighty-three, weighs well over fifteen stone, and is often poorly. Why dont you let Edith live with you? my cousin asked me a few years ago Its good that you help her every day, but what if something happens at night? Its difficult for her on her own. Your Daniel is her only lifeline.

Its evident that Gran will be cared for by her only son, his only wife, and her only grandson. For the past five years, Edith hasnt stepped out of her flat, not once. Her legs ache, and her weight makes it impossible for her to get about. It all started thirty years ago. Back then, my mother-in-law was sprightly, young, healthy, and a mighty force to contend with.

Who have you brought to me? the future mother of my husband, Daniel, exclaimed. Is this what I gave my life for?

After these words, I silently walked to the bus stop. At the time, my husbands mother lived in a prestigious suburb, in a grand and beautiful house. Her husband had held a significant position, so Edith lived well for a long time, even after his passing. That day, Daniel caught up and came with me. I was fortunate in my husband: he didnt blindly obey his mother. Yet, he respected his elders. He tried to calm me, explaining that it was simply his mothers temperament.

Once married, we began saving for a home of our own. Daniel left and didnt return for half a year. He was working. In a few years, we managed to buy a house and complete its renovations. It was finally finished. We didnt visit Edith very often. She managed to spread nonsense about me to Daniel and everyone she knew. You see, the daughter-in-law wont allow her husband to help his mum. What do you mean, wont let him? And so forth.

She decided to move to the city, but the money from her house sale wasnt enough. She suggested we pitch in, promising the flat would be left to our son, her grandson, in her will. Yet at the solicitors, she suddenly declared the flat should be left to her, as a friend told her that grandmothers are often left homeless this way. After that, she said shed leave the flat to whoever cared for her in her old age. She wanted to be the lady of the manor! She claimed wed cheat her and leave her with nothing.

Nearly twenty years have passed since then. Everyone in the solicitors office heard her groan and we felt deeply embarrassed. We decided to abandon the plan. She moved almost immediately, and didnt allow us to carry out even minor repairs. She stayed there for nearly a month, then began moaning that everything was old, crumbling, and breaking down. My mother-in-law blamed me for it all: I had found the wrong flat and was trying to cheat her.

Edith adored her cousins children but ignored her own grandson. She even pretended not to remember his birthday! A few years ago, my mother-in-law became unwell. Shed gained so much weight it was hard for her to move at all. I brought healthful foods prescribed by the GP. Edith, however, cursed and refused to eat, saying only her cousin fed her properly, whilst I starved her.

Last year, my husband began pleading to bring her home. He said his mother understood everything and knew she ought to heed the doctor.

All right I agreed. But I set conditions: the kitchen was to be mine alone, I would do the cooking and decide whats served, and none of her cousins were to visit.

My mother-in-law was outraged and refused, believing shed come and rule our home. But theres only one proper lady here, and thats me! I had to visit her, clean, cook, and even stay the night. Her favourite cousin expressed concern about her fate by phone only.

My mother-in-law complained on the telephone that I starved her: she was denied sweets or smoked sausages. She begged me to visit and bring cakes. But, claiming her own schedule was packed, she postponed the visit. Even though she lived three times closer than I did. She only came once a month, bringing something unhealthy, while I saw to her every day.

One day, my mother-in-law phoned her cousin and wailed her necklace and crucifix were missing. She told her both of us had been round that day, but was convinced Id taken them.

Without a word, I placed her lunch on the table and retrieved the chain and crucifix, which had fallen behind her bedside cabinet. At home, I told my husband everything and decided I would not visit again. I suggested we arrange for her to stay in a care home. Daniel agreed.