“Now I Just Want to Go Back to My Own Home. I Keep Thinking About My Mom”: Let My Daughter and Her Husband Pay Off the Loan. They Both Have Jobs

Twenty years ago, my life took an unexpected turn. My best friend, Lisa, suggested we move to the USA for work. At the time, I was 35 years old, feeling young and full of energy, but financially struggling. I had just divorced my alcoholic and abusive husband, and I was desperate for a fresh start. So, with my little daughter in tow, I decided to take the plunge.

The first few years in the USA were tough. We worked long hours in low-paying jobs, trying to make ends meet. Lisa and I shared a small apartment, and our children became like siblings. Despite the hardships, I was hopeful. I believed that with hard work and determination, we could build a better life for ourselves.

As time went on, things started to improve. I found a stable job as a caregiver for an elderly couple, which provided a steady income. My daughter, Emily, adapted well to her new environment and excelled in school. She made friends easily and seemed happy. I was proud of her resilience and determination.

However, life has a way of throwing curveballs when you least expect it. A few years ago, the elderly couple I was caring for passed away within months of each other. Their children decided to sell the house, leaving me without a job and a place to live. I was devastated. I had invested so much time and effort into caring for them, and now I was back to square one.

Emily had just started college at the time, and I didn’t want her to worry about our financial situation. So, I took on multiple part-time jobs to make ends meet. It was exhausting, but I was determined to support her education. She deserved a bright future, free from the struggles I had faced.

During this time, Emily met a wonderful young man named Mark. They fell in love and got married shortly after she graduated from college. They both found good jobs and bought a house together. I was happy for them, but deep down, I felt a pang of loneliness. My little girl had grown up and started her own life.

As the years went by, my health began to decline. The physical demands of my jobs took a toll on my body, and I found it increasingly difficult to keep up with the work. I longed for the comfort of my own home, a place where I could rest and take care of myself.

One day, Emily and Mark approached me with a proposal. They suggested that I move in with them and help take care of their children in exchange for room and board. At first, it seemed like a good idea. I loved my grandchildren dearly and wanted to be close to them.

However, living with them turned out to be more challenging than I had anticipated. Emily and Mark’s demanding jobs left them with little time for their children, and I found myself taking on more responsibilities than I could handle. The stress and exhaustion began to take a toll on my health.

I tried to talk to Emily about my concerns, but she seemed too preoccupied with her own life to listen. Mark was kind but distant, and I felt like an outsider in their home. The once-close bond between my daughter and me began to fray.

One evening, after a particularly exhausting day, I overheard Emily and Mark discussing their financial situation. They were struggling to pay off their mortgage and other debts. Emily suggested that they ask me to contribute financially since I was living with them rent-free.

That conversation was the final straw. I realized that I couldn’t continue living like this. I needed my own space, my own home where I could find peace and take care of myself. The next morning, I packed my bags and left without saying goodbye.

Now, as I sit in a small rented room, I can’t help but think about my mom back home. She always told me that family should stick together no matter what. But sometimes, you have to make difficult choices for your own well-being.

I hope that Emily and Mark can find a way to manage their finances without relying on me. They both have good jobs and are capable of handling their responsibilities. As for me, all I want is to go back to my own home and find some semblance of peace in my remaining years.