My parents never truly saw me as their child, because I spent most of my childhood with my grandmother. And now, I can’t even spend a single day with my own grandchildren.

I have always felt that my parents were rather unfair to me. Let me take you back to my childhood, when I more or less lived with my grandmother, as my parents had to work tirelessly to provide for us. I can still picture those mornings when they would leave me in my grandmothers care, heading off to their daily labours. To be perfectly honest, it was Granny who truly raised me, and for that I remain endlessly grateful.

Years later, I found myself with a family of my owntwo daughters, Emily and Beatrice. My husband and I both juggled two jobs apiece, determined to save enough for a flat of our own. At first, managing everything was terribly difficult, but my parents stepped in to offer a helping hand. They would drop the girls at nursery, fetch them home, take them to various outings, and spend quality time with them.

In short, they cared for our children while we worked around the clock. They understood our predicament and always seemed willing to lend their support. Then, quite out of the blue one day, my mother paid me a visit and told me they had decided to let their flat and move to a cottage in the countryside. It was a good distance from our town, and the news rather unsettled me.

Mum, please, could you hold off for a few more months before you move? Were so close to putting together the last of the savings for our own place. If you go now, Ill have to give up my job, and well never manage to get a flat this year, I pleaded earnestly.

Her answer caught me off guard. Were not staying here on your account. We wish to leave and so we shall. You need to start looking after your own children. You always seem to rely on everyone else. Were not obliged to help you, Mum replied.

I was stunned by her words and silently hurt, though I did my best to keep my feelings in check. I couldnt believe that a few more months would mean that much to my parents, so I made no attempt to argue further. It dawned on me that they, perhaps, no longer wanted to spend time with my daughters, and I could hardly force the situation.

My husband and I have become accustomed to braving hardships, facing lifes demands head-on and always striving to stand on our own two feet.