**Diary Entry**
He took everything, but it was my mother-in-law who saved me.
My husband walked out, emptying our bank accounts and leaving me with our six-month-old daughter in a rented flat, no explanations, no support. I was certain it was the end. Where did I even begin?
I expected no helpnot even from my own mother. «Theres no room here,» she said bluntly. Shed already taken in my older sister and her children, and her word was final. I was on my own.
Then, a knock at the door. Standing there was Margaretmy mother-in-law. Our relationship had been strained for years. I braced for scorn, for «I told you so.» Instead, she just said, «Pack your things. You and the baby are coming home with me.»
I stammered, «Margaret, Ithank you, but maybe we shouldnt»
She cut me off. «Enough. Youre not a strangeryoure my granddaughters mother. Lets go.» She scooped up little Emily, murmuring, «Come on, sweetheart. Grandmas got stories for you. Well braid your hair while Mummy sorts her things.»
I was stunned. This was the same woman who once claimed Id «trapped her son with a baby.» Now she cradled Emily like her own. Numbly, I packed.
Margaret gave us the largest room in her house, moving herself into the box room. When I protested, she waved me off. «Youre a mother now. Shell need space to crawl. Ive managed with less.» That evening, she served steamed veg and roast chicken. «Youre breastfeeding,» she said. «Fried foods no good for either of you.» The fridge was stocked with baby food pouches. «Start her on solids. If she hates one, well try another. Just say the word.»
I broke down then, clinging to her like a child. «Thank you I dont know where wed be without you.»
She held me tight. «Hush, love. Men come and go like the wind. I raised my son alonehis father left when he was eight months old. I wont have my granddaughter grow up struggling. Well manage. Youre stronger than you think.»
And we did. A year flew by. At Emilys birthday, the three of us blew out the candles togetherme, my daughter, and the woman Id once seen as my enemy. Over tea and laughter, I didnt feel like a single mother anymore. I felt like I belonged.
Then came another knock.
«Mum,» my exs voice rang out, «Id like you to meet Sarah. Can we stay a few months? Im between jobs»
My stomach dropped. What if she let him in? He was her son, after all.
Margaret didnt hesitate. «Get out. Take her with you. You left your wife and child penniless, and now youve the nerve to ask for favours? Youre no son of mine. And you, girlwatch yourself. Men like him dont stick around.»
I stood frozen. This womanwhod never turned her back on mehad just chosen me over blood.
We lived together six more years. Margaret stood by me when I fell in love again, even took my mothers place at my wedding, squeezing my hand as I walked down the aisle. When we learned I was expecting a boy, she cried happy tears.
I learned something then: Sometimes life takes, only to give back tenfold. And sometimes, family isnt about bloodits about who stays.
