My husband and I never wanted kids. When I turned 40, my mother said, “If you leave me without a grandchild, don’t expect a penny of my money!” So, I had a daughter, and my mom mostly raised her.
Fifteen years later, my mom died. I went to her room to retrieve something and froze when I discovered her closet was nearly empty; all her valuable items were gone. There was only a hidden jewelry box. I opened it and found just a piece of paper that read, “I’m sorry, but I had to choose the right person…” It felt eerie, but I couldn’t understand what was going on.
Then it was time to read her will.
I nearly fainted when I learned the entire inheritance would go to my daughter when she turns 18 in three years. Until then, I’m allowed only $1,000 a month to spend on her. That’s all. The worst part? My daughter already knew. My mother had told her about this arrangement.
Looking back, I realize my mother resented me for defying her plans and rejecting the family business. She wanted a grandchild to mold, and I was merely a means to that end.
Now, I feel cheated out of what should have been mine, but I’m not close enough to my daughter to ask for her support.
How should I handle this?
P.S. I know it sounds like I had my child for the money, but I did it primarily to please my mother, who always saw me as a disappointment.
