My Greedy In-Laws Tried to Get Rid of Our Sick Mom, but She Brilliantly Taught Them a Lesson

When Lexie’s husband’s parents are left to give up their home due to losing their jobs, they are left stranded. Seeing her husband’s distress at being unable to help, Lexie allows her mother to welcome them to stay with her. Things start off okay, but then the tables start to turn. Instead of being grateful, they start to complain about everything, resulting in a call to social services.

Not long after Cameron and I got married, his parents were faced with unfortunate circumstances. His mom, Jessica, and dad, Roger had no choice but to give up their home because Roger had lost his job.

An elderly couple sitting on a bench | Source: Unsplash

An elderly couple sitting on a bench | Source: Unsplash

Cameron and I didn’t have the space to take them in. But they were desperate, and so were we. We couldn’t let them just try and figure it out for themselves.

When they realized that my mother lives alone, they asked her to let them move in with her. My mom had a double-story house, but due to being wheelchair bound since a car accident a few years ago, she had a live-in nurse to care for her.

A broken windshield | Source: Pexels

A broken windshield | Source: Pexels

“Please, Tanya,” my mother-in-law said when we were all at my mother’s house for dinner. “We don’t have anywhere else to go. And we don’t have any money available at the moment.”

I knew that this entire thing affected my husband because there was only so much we could do in our own capacity. When my mother agreed, Cameron gripped onto my hand tightly and sighed in relief.

A woman in a wheelchair | Source: Midjourney

A woman in a wheelchair | Source: Midjourney

“Of course, you can stay here. You can stay for as long as you need to,” my mother told them.

At first, things were okay.

My mother-in-law cooked meals, and my father-in-law mowed the grass and took care of the basic upkeep of the house.

A person cutting oranges | Source: Pexels

A person cutting oranges | Source: Pexels

But then, things changed and social services got involved. It was a nightmare.

This is what happened.

My in-laws began complaining that my mom was occupying the whole first floor, something that was obvious. Since her accident, my sister and I had converted the first floor into an entire house by itself for my mother.

A wheelchair beside a bed | Source: Pexels

A wheelchair beside a bed | Source: Pexels

She needed her space, and we were going to give it to her. The second floor was for our space when we visited Mom.

Instead of being grateful, my in-laws complained that they couldn’t put their stuff there. They mumbled about the simple food my mother had in her fridge.

An open fridge | Source: Pexels

An open fridge | Source: Pexels

“It’s such basic foods. There’s nothing new or different here,” Roger would say.

But still, even though they complained, they didn’t try to buy their own food or food that they would have liked to eat on occasion.

An elderly couple shopping | Source: Pexels

An elderly couple shopping | Source: Pexels

Nothing changed when Jessica got a job as head librarian at the local library or when Roger got a job as a proofreader for the local newspaper.

“Don’t you think they should start looking for a new place?” Cameron asked me when we were taking a walk one evening.

An elderly woman in a library | Source: Pexels

An elderly woman in a library | Source: Pexels

“I’m sure your mom cannot wait to have the house back,” he said.

“Actually,” I replied. “I think she enjoys having people there. She always said that it was too quiet with just her and Linda.”

“Yeah, I get that,” he said. “But my parents can be a lot.”

A couple taking a walk | Source: Pexels

A couple taking a walk | Source: Pexels

It was as if my husband had spoken it into existence.

One day, as I went over to my mother’s house with pastries, I found her looking upset.

“What’s wrong?” I asked her immediately.

Pastries in a box | Source: Pexels

Pastries in a box | Source: Pexels

“Cameron’s parents,” she began slowly. “They’ve been hinting about a nursing home for me. I heard them talk about it last night, too.”

“Mom, do you want me to ask them to leave? They’re crossing the line,” I said, worried about her well-being.

A woman holding her face | Source: Unsplash

A woman holding her face | Source: Unsplash

“Oh, honey,” she said, a mysterious smile forming on her face. “I’ll take care of everything, don’t you worry.”

A few days later, my mother-in-law called us crying.

“How could Tanya do that to us?” she asked.

A crying old woman | Source: Pexels

A crying old woman | Source: Pexels

Apparently, my mother had told them to pack their things and move to the first floor because she was ready to move into a nursing home. She said that she needed the help and that she wanted to live a little easier.

Cameron’s parents thought that they had won the battle they created.

A healthcare facility | Source: Unsplash

A healthcare facility | Source: Unsplash

Instead, my mother had called social services, telling them that she had two individuals who were living with her temporarily but needed the help.

The next day, people from social services arrived at my mother’s doorstep, ready to take Jessica and Roger away to their social housing facilities.

A person holding a phone | Source: Pexels

A person holding a phone | Source: Pexels

They were livid.

Cameron and I met them at my mother’s house because they demanded an audience.

“This is outrageous! We thought we were moving downstairs, not out of the house!” my mother-in-law shrieked.

An angry old woman | Source: Pexels

An angry old woman | Source: Pexels

“How dare she trick us like this! We have done everything for her these past few months,” my father-in-law added.

Beside me, my husband flinched. He was caught in the middle, not knowing what to do or how to react.

“You took advantage of her kindness and tried to push her into a nursing home. You got what you deserved,” I retorted, barely containing my own anger at their words.

An angry old man | Source: Pexels

An angry old man | Source: Pexels

“You can’t just throw us out like this!” my mother-in-law protested.

“You’ve got a little place to live now,” my mother said, smiling. “But also, that’s not my problem. I helped you out, and you did nothing but complain. You didn’t want to be here. You were just here because you had no choice. Now, you can learn to fend for yourselves.”

Jessica was appalled. I don’t think she expected my mother to retaliate in that way.

A smiling woman in a wheelchair | Source: Unsplash

A smiling woman in a wheelchair | Source: Unsplash

It was true, social services housed them in a little apartment which was close to both their jobs. They would be absolutely fine until they chose to move elsewhere.

As they left, they continued to curse, but it was clear that they had been defeated by the whole episode.

A small apartment | Source: Unsplash

A small apartment | Source: Unsplash

“I’m sorry,” my husband told my mother when we settled her down again. “This was all my fault.”

It took a while for my mother to calm him down and make him realize that nothing was his fault.

“Your parents needed a place to stay, and they were welcome to do so here, but they continued to complain. They made life difficult here. Everything was a problem,” she said.

An upset man | Source: Unsplash

An upset man | Source: Unsplash

I continued to work my way around the kitchen while they spoke. I knew that my husband needed a pick-me-up, so I made his favorite Indian dishes, hoping that it would do the trick.

If I had to admit it, I also felt like it was my fault. I should have objected to the move in the first place. But I knew that my in-laws needed a place to live when they lost their homes. And maybe it was because of guilt.

A plate of food | Source: Unsplash

A plate of food | Source: Unsplash

Guilt born from the mere fact that Cameron and I couldn’t do it ourselves, that we both had allowed them to live with my mother.

As we got into bed that night, I told my husband that we needed to see his parents. We needed to make sure that they were okay, despite their horrible behavior, they needed to know that we still cared.

A couple lying together | Source: Unsplash

A couple lying together | Source: Unsplash

The following day, we met them at their new apartment. It was a quaint little place, but it was just enough for the two of them. As we walked in, there were boxes lying everywhere and the smell of burnt toast permeated the air.

“I didn’t check the toaster setting,” Roger said, as his way of explaining.

Opened cardboard boxes | Source: Midjourney

Opened cardboard boxes | Source: Midjourney

We ended up taking them to a café for lunch, where they admitted to their behavior.

“We were in the wrong,” my mother-in-law said. “We know that now. We saw an easy way to live with Tanya, and we just wanted more. But now, we have to make it work for ourselves.”

An interior of a coffee shop | Source: Unsplash

An interior of a coffee shop | Source: Unsplash

I dug into my pancakes while Cameron let his parents have a piece of his mind. He went on about how they needed to be responsible for their actions and that nothing would make up for their behavior toward my mother.

“You embarrassed me. And you took advantage of my wife’s mother,” he said. “Do you know how that makes me feel?”

A stack of pancakes | Source: Unsplash

A stack of pancakes | Source: Unsplash

I allowed him to talk his way through it, while his parents continued to eat their eggs benedict in silence.

As we drove home, my husband stopped to get my mother a bouquet of flowers.

“She deserves it,” he said.

A bouquet of flowers | Source: Unsplash

A bouquet of flowers | Source: Unsplash

What would you have done?

If you enjoyed this story, here’s another one for you |

When Katie discovers that her mother-in-law has been making strange dolls for her daughter, she confronts the old woman, only to discover that she has been holding onto grief for her entire life. But what does that mean for the mysterious dolls? And the little girl who plays with them?

This work is inspired by real events and people, but it has been fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details have been changed to protect privacy and enhance the narrative. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.

The author and publisher make no claims to the accuracy of events or the portrayal of characters and are not liable for any misinterpretation. This story is provided “as is,” and any opinions expressed are those of the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.

Harnessing Ancient Chinese Wisdom: A Life-Changing Technique for Wellness

Unlock the Power of Reflexology: Daily LV 3 Point Stimulation for Improved Health

Rooted in ancient Chinese medicine, reflexology is a therapeutic technique that applies pressure to specific points on the feet to positively influence health. One of the most significant reflexology points is the Liver 3 (LV 3) point. Located on the foot, regular stimulation of this point is believed to offer various health benefits, from enhanced digestion to reduced stress. In this article, we’ll explore how daily massage of the LV 3 point can support wellness.

Understanding the LV 3 Point

Known as Tai Chong in traditional Chinese medicine, the LV 3 point lies along the Liver meridian. This point is located on the top of the foot, between the first and second toes. To find it, trace your finger from the webbing between the toes toward the ankle until you reach a slight dip where the bones meet. This spot is considered essential for maintaining the smooth flow of “Qi” (life energy) throughout the body.

Daily Stimulation Benefits of the LV 3 Point

Improved Liver Function and Detoxification

The liver is central to detoxification, filtering impurities and waste from the blood. Regularly stimulating the LV 3 point may enhance liver function, improving its detoxification capacity. Reflexologists believe that massaging this point supports liver health, potentially increasing energy levels and promoting overall wellness.

Enhanced Digestion and Metabolism

Stimulating the LV 3 point can also benefit digestion and metabolism. In Chinese medicine, the liver is responsible for the smooth flow of Qi and blood, both essential for digestion. By activating this point, you may alleviate symptoms like bloating, indigestion, and constipation. Additionally, a healthy liver supports metabolism, which can aid in maintaining a balanced weight.

Stress Relief and Emotional Balance

The liver meridian is closely linked to emotions, especially stress and irritability. Pressing the LV 3 point may help release tension, reduce stress, and calm the mind. Reflexologists suggest that this point stimulates endorphin release, supporting relaxation and emotional stability. This can be particularly beneficial for those experiencing anxiety, mood swings, or irritability.

Enhanced Blood Circulation and Reduced Inflammation

Massaging the LV 3 point may improve circulation and reduce inflammation. By promoting a steady flow of Qi and blood, this practice can help relieve conditions associated with poor circulation, such as cold extremities or muscle cramps. Better circulation also supports recovery processes, potentially reducing inflammation and pain, especially in cases like arthritis.

Hormonal Balance and Menstrual Health

For women, the LV 3 point may aid in balancing hormones and supporting menstrual health. Believed to influence the endocrine system, regular stimulation of this point may relieve menstrual cramps, regulate cycles, and ease symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It may also enhance fertility by promoting Qi and blood flow to reproductive organs.

Stronger Immune System

A well-functioning liver is essential for a strong immune system, as it filters pathogens and toxins. Daily stimulation of the LV 3 point can support liver function, indirectly strengthening immunity. This can help the body resist infections more effectively and recover more quickly from illnesses.

How to Stimulate the LV 3 Point

To enjoy the benefits of stimulating the LV 3 point, follow these simple steps:

  1. Locate the LV 3 Point: Sit comfortably and find the LV 3 point on your foot. It’s between the first and second toes, about an inch back from the webbing.
  2. Apply Gentle Pressure: Use your thumb or index finger to press firmly but gently on the point. You may feel mild discomfort once you find the right spot.
  3. Massage in Circular Motions: Massage the LV 3 point in circular motions for 2-3 minutes on each foot. Aim to do this once or twice daily, ideally in the morning and evening.
  4. Breathe and Relax: Take deep breaths as you massage to enhance the healing effects.
  5. Be Consistent: For best results, practice this consistently. Regular stimulation of the LV 3 point supports the flow of Qi and blood, promoting overall health.

Precautions and Safety Tips

While massaging the LV 3 point can offer numerous health benefits, keep these precautions in mind:

  1. Use Gentle Pressure: Start with light pressure, especially if you’re new to reflexology. The LV 3 point can be sensitive, and too much pressure may cause discomfort.
  2. Consult a Professional: If you have health conditions like liver issues or circulation disorders, consult a healthcare provider or reflexologist before incorporating this practice.
  3. Pregnancy: Pregnant individuals should seek medical advice before trying reflexology, as certain points may cause contractions or other effects.

Regular stimulation of the LV 3 point could bring various wellness benefits, from improved liver function and digestion to stress relief and emotional balance. Though grounded in traditional Chinese medicine, results may vary. Approach this practice with openness, listen to your body’s responses, and adjust pressure as needed. With consistency, stimulating the LV 3 point can be a valuable addition to your wellness routine.

Feel free to share this article to spread the benefits of this ancient technique with friends and loved ones!

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