My mother-in-law and I never saw eye to eye, and she always tried to get under my skin. But when she pulled a stunt at my workplace, I had enough and decided to teach her a valuable lesson then and there, to the praise of my colleagues and manager.
Yesterday, I was about halfway through my shift at an upscale grocery store where I work part-time when I saw her: Denise, my mother-in-law (MIL). She was strolling through the automatic doors like she was walking into her kingdom. Little did I know that her presence would cause a confrontation where I was forced to stand up for myself.
A cashier in a grocery store | Source: Midjourney
The store’s faint background music did nothing to dull the sound of her heels clacking on the polished floor as she made her grand entrance, dripping with expensive jewelry. Denise had that air about her like everyone should stop what they were doing and admire her presence.
And to be honest, she kind of expected it.
She was in her usual “look-at-me” outfit: a tailored designer coat, big sunglasses despite it being perfectly lit indoors, and a diamond necklace that probably cost more than I made in a year.
A well-dressed woman in a store | Source: Midjourney
When she strutted straight toward my register, a smirk already forming on her lips, my stomach did a little flip. What on earth was she doing here?
Denise had never come to my job before, and at that very moment, part of me wished it could’ve stayed that way forever. The woman had a way of making me feel two inches tall as if her disapproving looks and passive-aggressive comments weren’t enough of a daily reminder that I wasn’t “good enough” for her precious son, Jack.
A man posing alone | Source: Freepik
We’ve been married for five years, and still, my MIL found ways to remind me that I didn’t measure up to her standards. My husband didn’t help much and always appeared to take her side to avoid further drama, saying things like, “That’s just how Mom is.”
His unwillingness to have my back drove me insane! But I love him and believed my MIL would eventually get tired. For years, I put up with her antics and continued biting my tongue… until yesterday. Yesterday was the last time Denise messed with me because I taught her a lesson she’d never forget.
Here’s how it happened…
A cashier in a store | Source: Midjourney
She stopped in front of my register and gave me that fake smile that sent chills down my spine. In her arms were two cans of caviar, the specialty, high-end, top-of-the-line kind that cost more than my rent.
I glanced at the price tags. Yep, it was as bad as I thought: hundreds of dollars for two tiny tins.
“Sweetheart,” Denise said in that sickly sweet tone she always used when she wanted something. She dropped the cans down with a soft thud on the counter and glanced over her shoulder, probably making sure we had an audience.
“I need you to take care of this.”
An arrogant woman placing caviar on the counter | Source: Midjourney
Confused, I blinked, trying to process what she was asking.
“Sure,” I replied, reaching to scan the cans for her, but she stopped me to clarify.
“No, silly, I need you to TAKE CARE OF IT, darling,” she replied, looking annoyed but thrilled to be putting me on the spot.
“Take care of it?” I repeated, unsure if I’d heard her right or understood what she really wanted.
Denise tilted her head and gave me a pitying look like I was a child who couldn’t understand basic math.
“PAY for the caviar, my dear. You’ve always been so slow,” she said as if she were explaining the most obvious thing in the world.
An unhappy woman with her arms crossed | Source: Midjourney
“See, I’m hosting a little dinner party tonight, and my friends are expecting ONLY the best. I’m sure Jack wouldn’t mind if you helped out. After all, it’s what family does. And I’m certain you wouldn’t want me to disappoint my guests, would you?”
I stared at her, my hands frozen on the register. Stunned is an understatement for how I felt at that moment. I wanted to laugh, but the words were caught in my throat.
“Denise, this is hundreds of dollars’ worth of caviar,” I said, my voice low, trying to keep my composure. “I can’t—”
But she cut me off with a dismissive wave of her hand.
A woman waving her hand dismissively | Source: Midjourney
“Oh, don’t be so dramatic,” she scoffed. “My Jack will cover it. You’re his wife, and it’s your job to help with things like this.”
Now, I had put up with a lot from Denise over the years, but this? This was new. She wanted me to shell out hundreds of dollars, on the spot, for some caviar that she absolutely didn’t need, just so she could impress her fancy friends!
My co-workers were watching, probably wondering what was happening. I could feel their eyes on me, the customers in line shifting awkwardly as they pretended not to eavesdrop.
Shocked customers staring in one direction | Source: Midjourney
“Denise,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady, “I’m not paying for your caviar.”
Her smile faltered, but only for a second. She quickly recovered, brushing off my refusal like a minor inconvenience.
“Oh, come on, honey,” she said, her voice dripping with false kindness. “Don’t be selfish. You know how important this is to me. My friends expect the best.” She leaned in closer and whispered, “If you don’t help me out here, I’ll make sure Jack knows exactly how uncooperative you’re being.”
A woman addressing someone | Source: Midjourney
That was it…
Something inside me snapped. I wasn’t about to let this woman blackmail me in front of a crowd, in my own workplace no less! I squared my shoulders and gave her a sweet but tight-lipped smile, pretending to go along with her demands.
“You know what, Denise?” I said, my voice a little louder now. “You’re absolutely right. I’ll take care of it.”
Her eyes lit up with satisfaction, convinced she had won. “I knew you’d see reason,” she said, already preparing to bask in her victory.
A woman smiling in a store | Source: Midjourney
I grabbed the cans of caviar and scanned them, feeling the weight of every dollar as it added up on the register. My heart was pounding, but I knew exactly what I was going to do. After I bagged the caviar when my MIL wasn’t looking, I leaned forward and pressed the microphone button at my register.
My voice rang out loud and clear over the speakers as I gave Denise a taste of her own medicine, but amplified…
A woman holding a megaphone | Source: Midjourney
“Attention, shoppers,” I said, trying to keep the glee out of my voice.
“I’d like to introduce you all to a very special guest today, my mother-in-law, Denise! She’s here to buy two cans of our finest caviar, and she’s asked me, her cashier daughter-in-law, to pay for them. Let’s give her a round of applause for being such a generous family member!”
For a split second, the store was dead silent. Then, someone in the back started clapping, slowly at first, but then others joined in. Soon enough, the whole store was clapping and cheering!
Customers clapping in a grocery store | Source: Midjourney
My co-workers were grinning from ear to ear, and even the customers in line were chuckling and clapping along!
Denise’s face turned a shade of red I’d never seen before!
“What the hell are YOU doing?” she hissed under her breath, glaring at me like I’d just committed a crime.
I kept smiling, pretending to be oblivious.
“Oh, I just thought everyone should know how generous you are, Denise. Isn’t that what you wanted?”
A smug cashier | Source: Midjourney
She snatched the bag from the counter, her lips pressed into a thin line. Without another word, she stormed out of the store, her heels clicking furiously against the tile floor as the applause continued!
It didn’t stop until she was well out the door, and by then, I was practically glowing from the satisfaction of it all!
After she left, my co-worker Rachel sidled up next to me, barely able to contain her laughter.
“That,” she whispered, “was the most LEGENDARY thing I’ve ever seen!”
A shocked cashier | Source: Midjourney
The store manager, who’d been watching the whole thing from the back, gave me a wink as he passed by. “Remind me to never get on your bad side,” he said, grinning.
I couldn’t stop smiling as I finished my shift. It wasn’t just the applause or the fact that I’d finally stood up to Denise in such a public way. It was knowing that, for once, I’d outplayed her.
It wasn’t until later that night, when I got home, that the full impact of what happened hit me. Jack was sitting on the couch, his phone in hand, looking confused and impressed at the same time.
A confused man looking at his phone | Source: Freepik
“What the hell happened with my mom today?” he asked, not quite able to hide the hint of a smile.
I sat down next to him and told him everything. I braced myself, expecting him to be mad or at least a little annoyed. But instead, he just shook his head, fighting back a laugh.
“You know,” he said, “I think she might leave us alone for a while.”
And guess what? He was right. My MIL hasn’t called, texted, or shown up since!
A happy couple | Source: Midjourney
Denise sadly isn’t the only troublesome MIL out there. Jane moved in with her son and his wife, pretending to have issues with her home, only to find out she wanted to monitor the couple and ensure they give her grandchildren. Her daughter-in-law was having none of it and retaliated the best way she knew how.
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.
The Woman Was Born Without Arms but Enjoys Motherhood. She Feeds and Dresses Her Daughter Herself Using Her Feet
Dejana Backo’s story is one of perseverance, strength, and boundless love. Born without arms, she never let her disability define her. Instead, she pushed past every obstacle, proving that limitations exist only in the mind. Today, she is not only a celebrated athlete and artist but also a devoted mother who cares for her child with incredible skill—using only her feet.
Her journey is a testament to human resilience, showing that challenges can be turned into stepping stones toward greatness. From excelling in para taekwondo to becoming a mother, Dejana has redefined what it means to live a full and meaningful life.
Embracing Her Unique Identity
Born on December 9, 1994, in Novi Sad, Serbia, Dejana grew up questioning why she was different. As a child, she often asked her mother why she didn’t have arms. However, as she matured, she realized that her body was not a limitation but a unique gift. She chose to embrace it and live life with confidence.
Her positive outlook and strong character helped her achieve incredible success in multiple fields. Nicknamed the “Girl with Wings”, she became a symbol of empowerment in Serbia, proving that strength comes from within.
An Extraordinary Athlete and Artist
Dejana’s achievements are nothing short of inspiring. At the young age of nine, she joined the Society of Mouth and Foot Painters, a move that ignited her passion for art. Determined to refine her skills, she later pursued a degree at the Academy of Fine Arts in Novi Sad, where she honed her talent and showcased her work across multiple Balkan countries.
Video : Mom withouth hands – playing with baby Lara – good morning – lets rock this day
But her passion didn’t stop at art. Dejana had always dreamed of competing in the Paralympic Games, leading her to take up para taekwondo in 2016. Her dedication paid off when she won the K41 women’s -47 kg division at the World Para Taekwondo Championship in Turkey in 2019—making history as Serbia’s first world champion in this category.
From Champion to Motherhood
In February 2023, Dejana embraced an entirely new role—motherhood. Choosing to step away from competitions, she prioritized preparing for her baby’s arrival, even deciding to skip the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. While she may not be competing in sports for now, she remains active in spreading inspiration through social media.
Motherhood comes with its own set of challenges, but Dejana has once again proved that she is unstoppable. She has mastered using her feet for everyday tasks, including feeding, dressing, and caring for her child. With the same resilience she showed in sports and art, she is tackling motherhood with grace and determination.
A Love Story Rooted in Strength and Support
Dejana is not alone in her journey—she has a strong and supportive partner. Her husband, a fitness instructor, has been by her side, providing encouragement and love. Their relationship is a powerful reminder that love transcends physical limitations.
The couple enjoys traveling and sharing their experiences online, proving that their bond is built on mutual admiration and shared adventures. On February 22, 2024, they took their love to the next level and officially tied the knot. In a heartfelt social media post, Dejana wrote:
“When you love without boundaries, unconditionally and completely pure. 22.2.2024—the day these two beautiful people swore before God for eternal love!”
Their wedding was not just a celebration of their love, but also a moment that showed the world that true love knows no physical barriers.
Facing Motherhood with Confidence
For many new mothers, taking care of a child can feel overwhelming, but Dejana has adapted in extraordinary ways. She changes her baby’s diapers, clothes, and even walks with her by holding hands—using only her feet. Her ability to care for her child in such a unique way is nothing short of extraordinary.
In an interview, she spoke about the realities of being a disabled mother, admitting that there are challenges but emphasizing that self-worth and a positive mindset help overcome any difficulties.
“We all have some difficulties as people with disabilities,” Dejana shared. “But if you have a good picture of yourself, if you know who you are and what your worth is, you can overcome anything and focus on the positives.”
A Life That Inspires Millions
Dejana’s journey is more than just a personal success story—it is a source of inspiration for millions around the world. She has shown that no obstacle is too great, no dream is too big, and no challenge is impossible to conquer.
- As an artist, she has defied expectations by painting breathtaking pieces with her feet.
- As an athlete, she has shattered records and proved that physical disabilities do not define one’s capabilities.
- As a mother, she is proving that love, creativity, and perseverance are more powerful than any physical limitation.
Conclusion: A Story of Courage, Love, and Strength
Dejana Backo’s life is a shining example of what can be achieved with courage, determination, and self-belief. From an inquisitive little girl questioning her differences to a world champion, artist, and loving mother—her story is nothing short of miraculous.
Video : Don’t look at what I don’t have, see what I can do ❤️ Girl With Wings
Her ability to embrace motherhood, overcome challenges, and live a fulfilling life is an inspiration to all. Whether she is painting, competing, or caring for her child, she continues to prove that with the right mindset, anything is possible.
Dejana’s journey reminds us that true strength is not measured by physical abilities, but by the heart, resilience, and spirit of a person. She is not just an athlete, an artist, or a mother—she is a living testament to the power of perseverance and love.
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