You may have a tough life. But the way you choose to fight and live makes all the difference. And this woman proves that no matter what challenges life throws at you if you are determined you can overcome all of them.
Speaking to sources, this brave mother shared her inspiring life story. She shared her struggle of losing her husband, being mistreated by society, in-laws, a failed second marriage, financial problems, and much more. But how she fought through all her struggles to create a life of dignity for her kids is no less than an inspiration.
Here’s her inspiring story:
“I met my husband 22 years ago. We were best friends — I loved his sense of humour and how protective he was of me. He would even come and see potential boys for marriage with me! We had feelings for each other — but he never did anything about it because he was diabetic and didn’t want me to suffer. But once, we were outside a temple, when he turned and said to me, ‘Fine, I’ll marry you!’ That was a proposal, and soon we tied the knot!
We knew we wanted children and we were lucky — within 3 years we were blessed with Khushi, and soon after, Dhyan. I always knew I had little time with my husband because of his health, and that one day I would be alone. But it didn’t matter to me, I wanted to cherish the moments I did have with him, because I was so in love.
Most of our married years were spent taking care of him but his condition worsened and he passed away. All I had was 7 years with him… I felt a huge void in my life, but what made it worse was the way his family started treating me. The men saw me in a different light — I didn’t feel safe around them. The rest of the family saw me as a financial burden even though I was working as a fashion designer.
Finally, my mother-in-law suggested I remarry — I wasn’t emotionally ready and didn’t want anyone to lay their hands on me. But I did it for my mother-in-law. I got married and began living with him. I took care of his family and he accepted my children. But soon, it began to seem like he married me for convenience. He even lied about his age — he was 49 but said he was 42. Within 3 years, he ran away to the US, leaving us behind.
I packed up our life, and moved back in with my parents. I started working harder than before for my finances. Still, it isn’t the best — imagine this I have one bedsheet with 100 holes, that I keep patching over and over again. But life is slowly getting better; I have loyal clients and I’m saving to open my own boutique.
Through this time, my kids and I have learnt to celebrate the small things. They spoil me with love and gifts — Khushi comes to me every few hours, hugs me and says, ‘Mumma, you know I love you right?’ and Dhyan buys me gifts on my birthday! They both don’t remember their father much, but we still celebrate his birthday every year. We go to his favourite sandwich joint, and feed sandwiches to the hungry in his memory.
I’m 41 years old, and even though I’m a single parent, I finally feel like I’m living for myself. My perspective has changed — I could be sad about my husband dying, or I could see it as an end to his suffering. I could also be mad at my second husband for leaving me, but I choose to look at it as my own freedom. I’m free to be me — to work, to dress up for myself, to spend those cozy nights at home with my kids… I’m finally just me.”
At IForHer, we salute the brave souls like her and hope this story gives the strength to many more women who continue to suffer in silence. We hope you will believe in yourself, and write your own destiny.
