Anonymous

When my mum died and I was alone in the world you welcomed me into your family with your husband and 4 children. You said I was welcome anytime and we spent lots of time together becoming good friends and in almost daily contact.

My first Christmas alone you invited me to spend the day with you and your family. I didn’t want to intrude on your family time, but you assured me that you would always be there for me and that I was now a member of your family.

When I was told I needed a hysterectomy I confided in you my distress at not having children. You said you would be there for me. I rang you crying from my hospital bed, upset that my dream of having children was all over.

A few months later when the grief of my childlessness hit hard, I noticed we didn’t see each other as much as we did. I thought it was me but then you told me that your daughter was pregnant with your first grandchild and was spending your time with her.

I put a smile on my face and tried to hide my pain when you said that you wanted me to go to your daughter’s baby shower. I didn’t want to upset you if I didn’t go. I smiled nicely as everyone had their photo taken with the mum to be. I didn’t want to have my photo taken with your heavily pregnant daughter as my heart was breaking but you said she wanted a photo with everyone, so I bit my lip as I stood next to her and her bulging belly and tried to smile. I put myself through that for you as you had told me I was a part of your family.

You were there for the birth and enjoyed telling me how proud you were of your daughter. You sent me photos of your new grandchild which were painful to see but I was happy for you. I sent gifts for the new baby.

I tried so hard to maintain contact with you, but you always said you was busy with your daughter and grandchild. A few weeks turned into a few months, into a year and you were still busy with your grandchild and your contact with me stopped.

I was never part of your family as you said I was and you promised me you would always be there for me but didn’t mention it was until something better came along. I find it hard to trust people now!