“Yes, I Initiated the Divorce. I Want to Live My Own Life”: Said 60-Year-Old Mrs. Linda to Her Eldest Daughter
Linda sat at the kitchen table, her hands wrapped around a steaming cup of coffee. The morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow on her tired face. Her eldest daughter, Sarah, sat across from her, concern etched on her features.
“Mom, you look exhausted,” Sarah said gently.
Linda sighed deeply. “I am, Sarah. I really am.”
For years, Linda had been the backbone of her family. She had dedicated her life to raising her two daughters and managing the household while her husband, John, worked long hours at his job. But now, at 60, Linda felt the weight of those years pressing down on her.
“John doesn’t help with anything,” Linda continued. “He doesn’t do the grocery shopping, he doesn’t clean up after himself, and he never lifts a finger around the house. He just expects everything to be done for him.”
Sarah frowned. “But you’ve always managed, Mom. What’s changed?”
Linda’s eyes filled with tears. “I’m getting older, Sarah. I can’t keep up with everything like I used to. My body aches, and I’m constantly tired. I want to enjoy my life for once.”
Sarah reached across the table and took her mother’s hand. “I understand, Mom. But what are you going to do?”
Linda took a deep breath. “I’ve decided to initiate a divorce.”
Sarah’s eyes widened in shock. “A divorce? Are you sure?”
Linda nodded firmly. “Yes, I’m sure. I want to live my own life now. I want to do things for myself and not be tied down by someone who doesn’t appreciate me.”
Sarah squeezed her mother’s hand. “I support you, Mom. You deserve to be happy.”
Linda smiled weakly. “Thank you, Sarah. That means a lot to me.”
As the days passed, Linda began the process of filing for divorce. It was not an easy decision, and it came with its own set of challenges. John was furious when he found out and accused Linda of being selfish and ungrateful.
“You’ve had everything handed to you on a silver platter,” John shouted during one of their arguments. “And now you want to throw it all away?”
Linda stood her ground. “I want more than just existing, John. I want to live.”
The divorce proceedings were long and arduous. Linda faced judgment from friends and family who couldn’t understand why she would leave a stable marriage at her age. But she remained resolute in her decision.
As the months went by, Linda moved into a small apartment on the other side of town. It was modest but cozy, and for the first time in years, she felt a sense of freedom.
However, life on her own was not as easy as she had hoped. The financial strain of living on a single income was overwhelming, and Linda found herself struggling to make ends meet. She took on a part-time job at a local grocery store to supplement her income, but it was physically demanding and left her even more exhausted.
Despite the hardships, Linda refused to give up. She joined a local community center and started attending yoga classes to improve her physical health. She also began volunteering at a nearby animal shelter, finding solace in caring for abandoned pets.
But as time went on, the loneliness began to creep in. Linda missed the companionship she once had with John, even if it was fraught with frustration and resentment. She missed the comfort of having someone to share her life with.
One evening, as Linda sat alone in her apartment, she received a call from Sarah.
“Mom, how are you holding up?” Sarah asked.
Linda hesitated before answering. “I’m managing, Sarah. It’s been tough, but I’m trying to make the best of it.”
Sarah’s voice softened. “I worry about you, Mom. I don’t want you to be alone.”
Linda’s heart ached at her daughter’s words. “I know, sweetheart. But this is something I needed to do for myself.”
As the call ended, Linda couldn’t shake the feeling of emptiness that had settled over her. She had fought so hard for her independence, but now she wondered if it had been worth it.
In the end, Linda realized that life was full of difficult choices and uncertain outcomes. She had chosen to pursue her own happiness, but it had come at a cost. And as she faced each new day alone, she couldn’t help but question if she had made the right decision.