I should have known that something was out of the moment I heard the bell bell.
There was some weight in the air, as if the storm was cooked, even though the sky outside was clear. When I wiped my hands on the towel, a strange sense of fear settled in my chest.
The children giggled in the living room, did not know blissfully, but I felt it – unwelcome presence standing on the other side of these doors.
And certainly when I opened it, she was there. Paul. My father -in -law. Her eyes scanned a house like a hawk who was looking for prey, her lips were already plunging into the very well -known grin of disagreement.
I barely had time to say hello before hitting me so sharp, cutting directly over my already exhausted spirit.
“How long will you live from my son like a leech?” My miles humiliated me for being a housewife – after my epic lesson left in tears and never talked about it again
My father -in -law, Paul, firmly believed that both spouses should contribute the same to the home. For her, the money prevailed over the value of family education. She often referred me to me as a “lazy housewife”, as if she cared for three little children effortlessly. Her tireless criticism has changed my life into a nightmare.
It all started with ordinary Tuesday morning. I was preparing breakfast for my energy twins and tried to calm down my grim girl. The bell rang and my stomach settled uncomfortable.
I already knew who it was before I even opened the door.
There was Paul, her face etched with the usual view of disagreement. Without waiting for an invitation, she stopped, her sharp eyes scanned the toy scattered on the floor of the living room.
“He still lives like this, Macy?” She mocked. “How long have you been going from my son as a leech?”
I took a deep breath and forced a polite smile. “Good morning, Paulo. Would you like coffee? ”
She refused my question and entered the kitchen. “Is that what you say life? Undimacy, pretending to be in the home? It’s poor. ”
Her words growl, but I refused to let them break me.
“I could take care of the children while you have a real job,” she continued, and her view was driving to the dishes in the sink.
I gripped the counter and tried to stay calm. “Jerry and I have agreed that I should stay at home with children, Paula. This is the best for our family. ”
She snorted. “The best for the family? Or best to avoid real work? ”
Before I could answer, my daughter released a desperate scream. When I rushed to calm her down, Paul murmured, “At least you’re useful for something.”
That night, when Jerry and I lay in bed, I could not shake the weight of Paul’s words.
“Honey, it annoys you not working outside home?” I asked my voice barely over the whisper.
Jerry turned to me and his eyebrows confusedly knit. “What? Where does it come from, MACE? ”
I sighed and chose the free fiber on the blanket. “I just feel like … I’m a burden.”
His expression darken. “Macy, that’s not true. We made this decision together, do you remember?”
I nodded, but in my mind Paul persisted. “I know, but sometimes I feel like I should do more.”
Jerry pulled me close and pressed a kiss on his forehead. “You raise our children. This is the most important work in the world. Don’t let you feel less valuable. ”
His assurance helped, but I knew deep that something had to change.
Over the next few weeks, Paula’s visits became more frequent and her comments bite more.
One afternoon, just when I finished the mopping, the bell rang. Paula entered, dripped from her coat, ignored the doormat, and watched the mud on my freshly cleaned floor.
“Paul, there is a mat and slippers at the door,” I said, trying to keep my voice stable.
She picked up her eyebrows. “You say I don’t know how to enter the house right?”
I pointed to the floor. “I just cleaned -“
“Oh, have you cleaned? Isn’t that all your job? Or is it too much for you? ”
I stood frozen, mop still in my hand as it rolled deeper into the house and let me deal with the mess – both physical and emotional.
“Still in your pajamas at 14:00?” She was struggling. “At your age I already gave all -day work.”
“Paul, I was up from five with a sick child. And they’re not pajamas; they’re just comfortable clothes to stay at home.”
She waved her hand. “Expansions, excuses. I worked full -time while I kept Jerry and kept keeping free. Some people just don’t cut off real work. You are an idle donkey. ”
He cried something in me.
“Do you think my life is easy? Good. Let’s test it. I think I do nothing all day, it should be a breeze for you. ”
Paul’s face paled. “I … that’s not what I meant.”
“Oh, but it’s. You can do how simple my life is. And you will save Jerry all the money that “waste” on his “parasitic” wife. “
Her lips pushed into a thin line. “Good. I will show you how the real woman manages the household. ”
“Be here at 6 am,” I called when she left. “That’s when the twins wake up.”
The next morning I went to my new work in the Center for Children Care while Paula took over the household.
At the end of the week she looked totally exhausted. Dark circles overshadowed her eyes, and her usually untouched her hair was confused.
“That’s ridiculous!” On Friday I walked through the door. “If I do it on, I have to be paid. 300 $ a week should cover it.”
I laughed. “Pay? But I thought it was just sitting all day? Why would you need compensation for it? ”
She turned red. “You know very well, that’s hard work! Constant cleaning, cooking, diapers and requirements – it’s exhausting!”
“Welcome to my world, Paulo. Another two days.”
The next day I got a frantic call from Paul.
“Macy, come fast! There was a small accident with Billy -“
My heart stopped. “What happened?”
The phone came a weak accident, followed by Billy’s panic cry: “Grandma! I can’t breathe! ”
“Oh my God! Paula, did you call an ambulance? ” I was screaming.
“I did it. Me … I have to mistake him by accident butter. I thought it was Jimmy… ”
Racing Home, I barely remembered how I got there. Fortunately, my neighbor had already taken Billy to the hospital.
That night Jerry confronted his mother. “Mom, Macy told you about Billy’s allergy. How could you let it stand? ”
Paula crushed, tears spilled on her face. “I thought I could do it. I tried to prove… ”
“Do what? Didn’t Macy do enough? ” Jerry demanded.
I put my hand on his arm. “It was a mistake. Terrible, but -”
Jerry shook his head. “No, it’s over now. Mom, I think it’s best to leave. And maybe think for some time. ”
When she rushed out of the door, tears flowed on the face of Paul.
When I looked at my sleeping son, I knew one thing with the confidence-because of my stay at home was not just a job. It was a commitment that required patience, love and unshakable power.
Paula learned a hard lesson, but now I knew now that I was exactly where I had to be.
In the end, Paul finally understood the weight of my daily duties – not only physical exhaustion, but constant mental and emotional work that came up with her mother and career. Although it was a painful lesson, it was the one he would never forget.
After a long period of reflection, Paul stretched me and her voice was fulfilled. She admitted that she was blinded by outdated beliefs and never really appreciated the work that went to raise the family. While forgiveness took time, experience changed our relationship forever. She no longer treated me like a “unconditional housewife”, but as a pillar of our family, someone worthy of respect and admiration.
As for me, I left this experience with newly found confidence in my mother’s role. I wouldn’t want anyone anymore to feel inferior for deciding to stay at home and raise my children. It was not about money or state – it was love, sacrifice and building a house full of heat and safety.
So all parents of stay at home: Your work is real, your efforts are valuable and your contribution is priceless. Never let anyone tell you otherwise.
What about you? Have you ever had to prove your value to a family member? Let’s share each other and support each other in the comments!