I could never bring myself to say these things while I was alive, and I regret it. I saw myself in you, and it broke my heart to think you might end up like me, trapped in a life of unfulfilled dreams. I regretted becoming a housewife, and I see you making the same choices.
But it’s not too late for you. I’ve left you the money in this envelope not only for your future but for your freedom. Use it for a divorce, if that is what you choose. Or you can use it to start your journey and to pursue your career and dreams.
My hope for you is that you live the life I was not brave enough to live. You have SO MUCH to offer the world, Maddie. Don’t let anyone hold you back. Be brave, and be the woman you are meant to be.
With all my love and regrets,
Betty
Tears streamed down my face as Betty’s words hit me. The woman I thought hated me had seen me for who I truly was and more clearly than anyone else! Her words were a call to action, a push to reclaim my life and pursue my dreams.
Despite us never being close, I felt closer to her at that moment than ever before. I don’t know if it was my imagination or wishful thinking on my part, but I INSTANTLY felt her presence. “Thank you,” I said out loud.
I decided to honor her wishes and take the first step toward a future I had almost given up on.
The last few months since I read my MIL’s letter have been a whirlwind of change. I took her message to heart, and it wasn’t long before I started making plans to leave. Confronting my husband, Luke, about his infidelity was one of the HARDEST things I had ever done.
I waited until he came home from work that evening. “Luke, we need to talk,” I said, my voice steady but my heart pounding in my chest.
He looked at me, surprised. “What’s wrong, Maddie?”
I held up the letter, my hands trembling. “This is from your mother. She left it for me. She knew you were cheating on me.”
His face went pale. “Maddie, I…”
“Don’t,” I interrupted. “I don’t want to hear any excuses. I’m done.”
The days that followed were filled with difficult conversations and painful realizations. Luke denied everything at first, but eventually, the truth came out. He had been seeing someone else for nearly a year! Our marriage had been a lie, and Betty had seen through it long before I did.
My MIL’s letter and the money she left me became my lifeline. I filed for divorce and moved out of the house. It was scary and liberating all at once! I found a small apartment downtown and threw myself into my work.
I had always dreamed of opening a bakery, and now, with Betty’s help, I had the means to do it. The weeks turned into months, and slowly I began to rebuild my life. I enrolled in a culinary course and started taking steps toward my dream.
My new apartment was small but comfortable. It was filled with the sweet scent of vanilla and cinnamon as I practiced new recipes every night. One evening, while I was kneading dough for a batch of sourdough bread, my phone rang. It was Jenna, my best friend.
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