Throughout my life, I helped others. I started working at 15 because my mom was struggling to raise my brothers on her own. Later, I got a job at a factory, where I carried buckets of cement at 18, which severely damaged my health. Eventually, I enrolled in a nursing program, and after graduating, I started working as a nurse. That’s where I met Anthony. We quickly got married.

A year later, I gave birth to my son, Tyler. However, I soon regretted my decision—my husband started drinking, we were constantly arguing, and then he became physically abusive. Eventually, I ran away to my mom’s house and left my son with her while I went to work.

For many years, I sent money to my mother, helping her and my brothers, while also saving for an apartment. Over time, I managed to buy a place, and my son moved in. Tyler got into a prestigious university, which I had always dreamed of for him, as I never received a good education myself. I was willing to spend anything for his education.

But in his junior year, Tyler decided to drop out of college, saying:

— Mom, those diplomas don’t matter anymore. I’m going to be a businessman; that’s the only way to earn money in this country.

I didn’t object since young people understand things better. I gave him money to start his own business. At first, everything was going well, but then he needed more and more funds. I never refused and tried to support him.

At the same time, I had to help my mom and brothers; they were struggling too. I was very worried that I was saving very little for myself. Then Tyler decided to get married. Of course, I paid for the wedding, but afterward, I talked to Tyler:

— Son, I’ve helped everyone enough. Now I want to save a little for myself for retirement.

— Of course, Mom, that makes sense! – he replied.

— But I will send you the money for safekeeping. I’m afraid to keep it myself—what if it gets stolen? These things happen.

Tyler agreed, and I continued to send him significant amounts from time to time. Of course, I still helped him since he had children. Six years passed, and I decided to return home. I was very tired and wanted to spend time with my grandchildren while they were still little.

I planned to buy a small house on the outskirts so the kids could visit on weekends. By my calculations, I should have saved around $200,000 over the years—for the house and a peaceful retirement. But when I asked Tyler to get my savings, he handed me a thin envelope with only $38,300 inside.

— Where’s the rest of the money? – I asked, unable to believe my eyes.

Tyler stood there, not knowing what to say.

— Well, Olivia asked for some a couple of times, and I told her to take $100 or $200… – he started.

— But thousands are missing, – I interrupted.

We waited for my daughter-in-law to arrive, and as soon as I asked her about the money, she practically attacked me.

— What did you expect? You raised a useless son who can’t earn, and I have to manage somehow. How am I supposed to feed and clothe the kids? It’s your fault that Tyler is like this, so you should pay up.

I felt like crying. I took the remaining money and went back to my mom’s. As I left, I said:

— I’m not going anywhere anymore! I don’t want to! And you won’t get any more money from me.

But I found myself unwanted at my mom’s too. She lives with my brother and his wife, who also took advantage of my kindness. They were happy to see me, hoping for my financial support, but I didn’t give them a penny. When I told them about my situation, they hinted that there was no room for me with them. In despair, I started looking for a place in a small town.

Eventually, I bought a little house for $40,000. I figured it was better to have something than nothing. I planted a small garden. Then I met my neighbor, Nick. He’s a widower, and soon he proposed that we live together. I agreed.

Tyler calls me occasionally, asking if I plan to go back because his wife is threatening divorce. But I don’t want to—I’ve worked so many years without living normally. Now I want peace in my old age. Don’t I deserve that? And I can’t forgive my daughter-in-law for taking money without my knowledge. What would you do in my place?