Retired Mom Evicted by Her Own Son

Life can take unexpected turns, especially when it comes to family relationships. Disagreements, misunderstandings, and hurt feelings can sometimes push people to the edge, creating moments that test patience and strength. Yet, it’s often in these difficult situations that true resilience and determination shine through. Recently, Bright Side received a heartfelt letter from a reader who wanted to share her own powerful experience in this regard.

Hi Bright Side,

My name is Bertha, I am 67 years old.

Three weeks ago, I moved in with my son and DIL after my retirement because my lease ended. Yesterday, my DIL said, “You can’t expect to live here for free. This is not a shelter!” My son was silent.

But today, imagine my horror when I woke up to discover my suitcases at the front door. They had packed my things and wanted me to leave.

I smiled and didn’t react. I took a taxi and left.

But what my son and DIL didn’t know is that all this time I had been secretly putting money aside to surprise them and buy the house they’ve been living in so that they would stop paying rent.
After settling in a hotel, I called them to say that they were not going to see me. Then they froze in silence when I revealed my plan.

I told them that now I had seen their true colors, I was changing my plan—my life savings would no longer go toward a house for them, but toward cruises and trips for myself. Then I hung up.

They both called back, begging me to reconsider. My son pleaded that he hadn’t truly wanted me gone, but had given in to his wife’s wishes. He said he wanted me to move back in, but I wasn’t buying it.

I’m heartbroken by what happened, but at least I’ve learned an important lesson: it’s time to put myself first.

Yours,
Bertha