Miguel and I had been together for seven years. From the day we got married, I agreed to live with my mother-in-law, Doña Carmen. She had a stroke, couldn’t move on one side, and needed aid with every meal and snooze. I thought it would be easy at first since she was my mother-in-law and I was her daughter-in-law, so it was my job to take care of her.
But I never thought this weight would linger so long. The saddest thing was that Miguel, my husband, was the one who should have told me.
Miguel worked during the day and talked on the phone all night. He would often say, “You take better care of Mom than I do.” If I try it, she’ll hurt more. I never held that against him.
I thought that was how things worked: the lady took care of the house and the husband brought home the bacon. But then I learned that Miguel wasn’t only at work; he was with someone else.
I got a message one day that stated, “I’m coming over again tonight.” It’s a million times better to be with you than at home. I didn’t scream, cry, or make a big deal out of it.
I just said quietly, “What about your mom?” You haven’t paid any attention to her in years. Miguel didn’t say anything. The next day, he left. I knew exactly where he was.
I looked at Doña Carmen, the woman who had always condemned everything I did, from the food I ate to the naps I took. She thought I wasn’t “worthy of being her daughter-in-law.” I wanted to quit everything. But then I remembered that a person should always have their dignity.
A week later, I called Miguel. “Are you free?” I’ll bring your mom over so you can take care of her.
I put her prescriptions, hospital papers, and an old medical notebook in a fabric bag. I put her in a wheelchair that night and softly whispered, “Mom, I’m going to take you to Miguel’s house for a few days.” Staying in the same place all the time is boring. Her eyes shone like a child’s as she nodded.
I rang the doorbell of the small apartment. Miguel opened the door, and the other woman, who was wearing a silk nightgown and bright red lipstick, appeared behind him. I pulled Doña Carmen into the living room, prepared the bed, and put the medicine bag on the table.
The house smelled like perfume, but it was cold and quiet. “What are you doing?” Miguel sputtered.
I grinned a little. “Do you remember? Your mom is your mom. I’m only your daughter-in-law. I took care of her for seven years, which is a long time. The woman behind him turned white and still had a tablespoon of yogurt that she hadn’t eaten.
I moved aside slowly, as if I had been preparing to do so for a long time. “Here are her medical records, prescriptions, diapers, pads, and cream for her sores.” I’ve put down all the doses in the notepad.
I put the notebook down on the table and turned to go. Miguel’s voice got louder. “Are you going to leave my mom?” “This is mean!”
I stopped and said in a calm, quiet voice, “You didn’t pay attention to her for seven years.” What else could that be except mean? I took care of her as she was my own family, not because of you, but because she is a mother. I’m leaving now, not because I want to get back at you, but because I’ve done what I needed to do.
I smiled at the other woman and looked her in the eyes. “Love him entirely if you love him. Your love comes with everything.
I put the house deed on the table next. “Only my name is on the house. I’m not taking anything. He just took her clothes. But if you ever need money to take care of Mom, I’ll still help.
I reached over and stroked my mother-in-law’s hair one last time. “Mom, do the right thing here. If you’re upset, I’ll come back to visit you.
Doña Carmen smiled, but her voice was shaky. “Yes, come see me when you get home.”
I exited and closed the door behind me. The room was silent and smelled like a blend of perfume and massage oil. I slept soundly that night and didn’t experience any dreams. I got up early the next morning, took my son to breakfast, and started over without crying or getting mad.