I’ve been saving money ever since I retired. My husband passed away a few years ago and honestly, I’ve been terrified of becoming a burden on anyone if something happens to me too. That’s why I started putting money aside, and I’ve been very clear about this with my son.

Without even talking to me, he just got engaged. When I asked him how he was planning to pay for the wedding, especially since he was recently fired, he said, “I thought you could help me. You have savings.”

I told him I can’t just drain that money and that he’s being irresponsible right now. He can’t just make big decisions like this without thinking about how to pay for them.
After that, everything took a turn.
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I thought my heart would drop as he stood up, looked at me, and said, “If you’re not happy for me now and won’t help, you’ll never meet my future kids.”

I don’t even know how to process that. I raised him. I helped him through college. I’ve always been there.

And now it feels like none of that matters unless I hand over everything I’ve been saving to protect myself. Even though I don’t want to be a monster in his new relationship, at the end of the day, it’s my son, the only family I have left.

Sincerely,
Barbara S.

Thank you, Barbara, for reaching out to us and sharing your story. We know how painful and confusing it must feel to face this situation with your son.