We recently heard from a woman named Sheryl, a grieving mother whose decision is already splitting our editorial team.
After the tragic death of her son, who left behind a wife and two young children, what Sheryl chose to do next will challenge every assumption you might have about family, loyalty, and grief.
Here’s what Sheryl wrote:
I know people will hate me for this, but I need to get it off my chest. Maybe someone will understand.
My son Daniel (34) di.ed in a car accident three months ago.
He left behind his wife, Amanda (29), and their two sons, Ethan (6) and Caleb (2). They had been living in my house for the last seven years.
They never paid rent. Never helped with the bills. Just… existing, as if my home was some kind of hotel they’d never planned to leave.
Let me go back a bit.
When Amanda got pregnant with Ethan, she and Daniel were renting a cramped one-bedroom.
Daniel was finishing his master’s degree in engineering and working part-time. Amanda was working at a diner while pregnant, worn out, and struggling.
They couldn’t afford the rent, so as a caring mother, I let them move in with me.
My house. My rules.
I told them, “This is only temporary, until you get on your feet.”
That was seven years ago.
Amanda never worked again. Daniel eventually started earning decent money, but instead of moving out, they stayed and got comfortable.
They never paid me a cent or even gave me a thank-you card.
I raised Daniel to be driven and respectful — but he turned into a meek, passive man, following Amanda around like a lovesick puppy.
To be honest, I never trusted her. Not from day one.
Her background was completely different. No father.
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