My son just turned 31 and recently told me that the tenants living in his father’s flat will need to move out because he wants to live there with his wife.

Looking back, Ive come to believe that nothing in life happens by accident; we all bear responsibility for our choices and their consequences. The decisions we made long ago shape the way our lives unfold now. As I recall my own story, I remember making a dreadful mistake when I tied my future to a careless man. I lost my heart to Charles and placed my trust in him, even though I was well aware he was a philanderer. Foolishly, I hoped he might change his ways for me. But people rarely changewhen our son was born, Charles remained as devoted to his pursuits as ever.

Years ago, whispers began to reach me about Charless new escapades. Friends, neighbours, even some relations spoke, often with pity or a knowing look. The pain and embarrassment I felt were overwhelming; Im still not certain which stung more. I remained in this unhappy situation for five years, hoping things might improve. Fortunately, Charles eventually left our flat, signing it over to our sonthe arrangement allowed him to dodge paying child support. So, I found myself renting a small place from my estranged husband, moving in with my son and my own mother, who was elderly and needed caring for.

From the beginning, I tried desperately to give my son every opportunity I couldevery penny I earned from the flat went towards his schooling, clothes, and other essentials. I wanted him to have the happy childhood I never had. What was left paid the bills, kept us fed, and bought the medicines my mother needed. I lived in hope that, when he grew up, my son would understand all Id done for him.

Now I am 57 years old and struggling with diabetes. Each day is a trial; I must closely track my blood sugar and administer insulin regularly just to get by. The illness keeps me from working, and lets be honestwho would hire a woman my age, beset by health problems? The only money I have comes from letting out the flat. But now my son, recently turned 31, has announced the tenants must vacatethey need the flat themselves, he and his wife. When I explained Id nowhere else to go, his reply was cold: that it wasnt his concern.

I cant fathom how, after a lifetime of work, I could end up without savings for my twilight years. The future weighs heavilyhow shall I pay for my medicines, the groceries, the heat? How could my own flesh and blood treat me so? Who does he think he is? I am left wondering how it ever came to this.