Escaping my ex-husband should have been the end of my nightmare, but it was just the beginning. When my former mother-in-law, Valerie, showed up at our new home, I had no idea her obsession would lead to a morning that still haunts me. What she did to my son, Tyler, was unforgivable.
Being a single mom feels like a never-ending marathon. Work, chores, and raising a child are a lot to juggle. But with an ex-mother-in-law determined to make my life miserable, things got crazy.
Last month, she crossed a line that made me dial 911.
I live with my 10-year-old son, Tyler, in our cozy home. I bought it after splitting from my ex-husband, Billy, thanks to some smart investments.
Billy and I had been together for 15 years. I thought he was kind and compassionate until he lost his job and spiraled into gambling. When I confronted him about taking a job, he snapped, “I don’t want to settle for less!” That was just a taste of the turmoil.
One Thursday night, I returned home to find Billy missing. As I tucked Tyler in, he asked, “Where’s Daddy?” I lied, saying he was at work. But when I heard muffled voices from my bedroom, I discovered Billy with another woman. It was the final straw. I left the next day, and he didn’t contest the divorce or custody.
A lawyer handing documents to a woman | Source: Pexels
After moving two hours away, I thought Tyler and I could live peacefully. But Valerie had other plans. Just two days in, she showed up at our doorstep.
“Margaret, dear! I’m here to see my grandson,” she chirped as if it were normal. I forced a smile and said, “Come in, but please keep it short.”
Valerie insisted I was selfish for keeping Tyler away from his father. I had enough. “Your son cheated on me! If anyone’s selfish, it’s him.” I pushed her out and locked the door.
But Valerie was relentless, calling and texting. I ignored her, but she wouldn’t quit. I was exhausted, constantly looking over my shoulder.
Months later, on a Saturday morning, I woke up excited for our park day. But when I checked Tyler’s room, he was gone. Panic set in.
I reviewed the security footage and saw Valerie sneaking in the night before, carrying my son out. I called 911, breathless.
“911, what’s your emergency?”
“My son—my ex-MIL took him. I have it on camera.”
After hanging up, I noticed a note: “IN 2 HOURS, YOUR SON WILL BE MINE FOREVER.” My knees buckled.
When the police arrived, they took the note seriously and traced Valerie’s phone. They found her car at a cemetery about 20 miles away.
When we arrived, I saw Valerie with Tyler near a gravestone. “Tyler!” I screamed, jumping out of the car.
Valerie shouted, “No! He needs to be with his daddy!”
The police grabbed her, and I scooped Tyler into my arms, sobbing with relief.
As they led Valerie away, she muttered about how Billy “wanted his son back.”
That day, I vowed never to let Valerie near Tyler again. She’s in custody now, but the memory of that morning still haunts me.
