When Returning from Abroad, a Mother’s Home No Longer Felt Like Hers
Having spent nearly three years overseas, far from her beloved Ukraine, a woman found herself confronting an unforeseen situation upon arriving back in her homeland. She had lived with her daughter Anya in France, who had long settled there, while her son Andrey and his family remained in Zaporizhzhia. During her absence, Andrey was entrusted with looking after her modest one-room apartment—a place she had called home for decades, returning there after life’s many storms.
Her years abroad weren’t easy but were filled with warmth as she supported her daughter and son-in-law. She took care of her grandchildren, prepared meals, and maintained order in their spacious house, where the couple’s days were packed with responsibilities. Feeling needed gave her strength.
“One evening at dinner, unexpectedly, her son-in-law Philippe, a polite yet somewhat detached man, shared: ‘Anya and I have discussed it. Things have calmed down in Zaporizhzhia now. It’s time for you to come back home.'”
These words struck her unexpectedly, as if the ground beneath had suddenly vanished. Choosing not to argue, she accepted the sentiment and purchased a ticket home, unaware that a harsher challenge awaited.
Upon entering her apartment, weary from travel, she immediately noticed Andrey sitting on her couch as if it had always been his space.
“Andrey?!” she exclaimed, startled. It appeared that his life had shifted dramatically during her absence. He had divorced his wife, leaving her the apartment, and moved into hers. Yet, the surprises were not over.
Another woman was present in the room—Irina—a stranger to her. Andrey introduced Irina as his fiancée, who was also expecting his child. She gazed at Irina, baffled and hurt, wondering why no one had informed or consulted her.
“Son, didn’t it occur to you that you should have at least called me?” she asked, striving to stay composed.
“Mom, you weren’t here. We didn’t want to disturb you. We simply had nowhere else to go,” he responded, his tone indifferent.
“But this is my home, and now I feel like a stranger in it,” she whispered.
Andrey frowned and said firmly, “Irina is my family. We will live here.”
Suddenly, the apartment lost its comforting and peaceful essence. She found herself confined, struggling daily to preserve her personal space, dignity, and simply her right to exist.
- Habitat invasion: from cherished residence to crowded quarters
- Displaced comfort: coping with loss of personal sanctuary
- Generational conflicts exacerbated by life changes
Seeking support, she called Anya, sharing her pain and hoping for a chance to return to France, even briefly. However, Anya’s response was cold and distant.
“Mom, you’ve already left. We’ve adapted to our lives here. Sorry, but coming back isn’t possible,” she heard.
Currently, she sleeps on a small folding bed in the kitchen, unfolding it each night between the table and refrigerator, carefully tidying up every morning to avoid inconvenience. Despite Irina’s pregnancy, it’s clear who rules the space now. At times, it seems she’s being gently but insistently pushed out of her own home.
During the day, she wanders the city streets to escape lingering glances. She attempts to find part-time work for independence, though opportunities for seniors are scarce.
Recently, she suggested that Andrey and Irina might consider moving to Irina’s parents’ countryside home, where there is ample space and fresh air—a better environment for their child. But Andrey reacted sharply.
“Are you serious? How would I get to work? The internet there barely works!” he remarked.
She feels desperate and unwilling to provoke conflict, yet cannot continue living like this. Daily, she questions her endurance, seeking strength to rebuild her life after sixty, when she has become an unwelcome guest in her own residence.
Key Insight: This story highlights the emotional turmoil experienced by those returning home after extended absence, facing unforeseen family dynamics and challenges to their sense of belonging.
In conclusion, the narrative paints a poignant picture of displacement within familiar surroundings, underscoring the complexities of family relationships and the quest for personal space amidst change. It reveals how home, once a sanctuary, can transform into a battleground for acceptance and respect, especially for the elderly navigating evolving family structures.