A daughter shared their story online of their estranged mother trying to reconnect so she could have her surgery paid for. She asked the online community if she was wrong for not paying for her mom’s surgery after all that had happened to her growing up. Here is her story.
Broken Family Ties
The original poster (OP) said that she lost her father when she was young, and a few months after his death, her mom married a new guy. The new guy already had two teenage boys and didn’t want to raise OP because he never wanted daughters. OP’s mother abandoned her daughter and took her brother to live with her new husband.
Her Stepfather Was Wealthy and Spoiled Her Mom
OP’s stepfather was wealthy and would spoil her mother and brother but never gave anything to the OP. Her mother didn’t do anything for her either. She visited monthly and didn’t call on Christmas or New Year’s.
OP’s aunt couldn’t have children, so raising OP was a blessing for her. OP saved money in high school and put herself through college.
OP Found Success In Her Career
She graduated with a degree in computer science and landed a great job with an excellent salary. In the time since, OP got a better job with a better salary and was able to help her aunt and uncle renovate their house.
Her Mom Reached Out But With Ulterior Motives
OP said that recently, her mom reached out via Instagram, where she could see the type of lifestyle OP was living. She asked if she and OP could meet and talk and reevaluate their relationship.
OP said she had a soft heart and agreed to meet with her mom. When they met, her mom hugged, kissed her on the cheek, and told her she missed her. They talked about OP’s life, and when OP asked how she was doing, she began to talk about how bad her life was. She had divorced John, and OP’s brother wanted nothing to do with her now that she was poor.
OP Refused to Help Her Mother
Photo Credit: Deposit Photos
She was living on a pension from her ex-husband and has developed severe heart problems. She asked if OP would pay for the surgery she needed, which was quite expensive.
OP refused and said she wouldn’t feel good about it. Her mom yelled at her in the middle of the restaurant, saying she was a terrible daughter and that she was letting her die even though OP could afford the surgery. OP said she left feeling very embarrassed.
OP is Confident But Asks Her Aunt
When OP brought it up with her aunt, her aunt said that, ultimately, it was her decision but that she had plenty of money to pay for it, and it wouldn’t affect her financially. OP said she doesn’t want to pay because her mom has never been there for her.
Two significant sentiments on the forum: “She abandoned you; you don’t owe her a thing,” and “She should ask her son who stuck with the ‘rich step Daddy’ to pay for it.” The majority sided with OP, given the unfortunate circumstances that her mother put her in. Now that she is at the beginning of her career and succeeding, her estranged mom doesn’t deserve her help.
His Wife Makes Substantially More Money But Refuses To Support His Elderly Parents
Photo Credit: Deposit Photos
A 47-year-old husband, the OP (original poster), turned to an online forum with his frustrations about his wife not pitching in to support his parents financially. He agrees it is not her responsibility, but she makes significantly more money than he does. She refused, and OP didn’t understand her reasoning or the hostility or shock he received from the forum. Here is his story.
A Couple Fights Over the Back-to-School Budget Despite Having a $2+ Million Net Worth
Photo Credit: Deposit Photos
The best marriages have difficulties, and many challenges often deal with financial situations that must be resolved. Couples must have conversations about their money handling and deal with disputes when they occur to stay calm through years of potential misunderstanding.
Are You Being Too Courteous For Your Own Good? You May Be By Doing These Things
Photo Credit: Deposit Photos
Are you sometimes courteous to some people out of fear of offending them and worrying about what they think of you? Being respectful to others is a sign of good character, but you may be going too far. You may be helping others when you lack time to do your chores. Learn to say ‘no’ before committing to do things for others. You may be too polite for your good.
10 Things People Associated With Rich People When They Were Kids
Photo Credit: Shutterstock
When we were kids, certain things always seemed to be associated with wealth and luxury. Let’s look at ten things members of an online forum, as kids, believed only belonged to the rich.
22 Dead Giveaways That Someone Grew Up Poor Long After Escaping Poverty
Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Being poor is not a choice but often a reflection of society and should never be a mark of shame. Those who grew up poor have a mindset that is not easy to shake long after escaping poverty. The residual effects of feeling hunger and cold bring back memories that spurred gratitude, resourcefulness, and nostalgia by some who shared their experiences on a popular online community, answering, What are dead giveaways that someone grew up poor?” I recognized similar incidents familiar to me, bringing back memories from my upbringing.Â
This article was produced and syndicated by The Cents of Money.
Hi There!
With a passion for investing and personal finance, I began The Cents of Money to help and teach others. My experience as an equity analyst, professor, and mom provide me with unique insights about money and wealth creation and a desire to share with you.