One day, she went too far, and that’s when I cut her out of my life.and daughter-in-law not getting along, interactions filled with tension, discord, and conflict. I get it, really I do. But what I experienced by my mother-in-law for years was far beyond a stereotype or what any person should tolerate, whether from a family member or in-law relationship.
When I moved from the state where I lived for thirty years to another state because of my husband’s new job, she told me she was glad my parents would know the heartache and suffering she’d experienced not having lived near her son. When my third daughter had her first communion and friends and all four grandparents gathered, she proceeded to talk about immigration issues and loaded political topics. Worse, she shared some horrible beliefs that all immigrants shouldn’t be allowed in the US, even legally. This in front of my father, who immigrated to the US as an adult. My dad, ever so classy, confronted her in a kind yet direct way.
I can handle some things, but when you insult my children or my mothering, we are done. Because I know better, I know my children, and I will protect them against anyone and anything, always.
My husband gave her an ultimatum last Christmas after she spewed all the hate she had bottled up for almost 15 years and she backed down. Apologies came like a waterfall from her but I'll never forget the things she said and how she felt all those years. Now I'm free in a way.
I distanced myself from my MIL and it was the healthiest thing. I put up with 22 years of abuse. She called me so many names and even hit me once. When she died last year I was very relieved my kids are no longer subject to her abuse.