“Yes, I Initiated the Divorce. I Want to Live My Own Life,” Said 60-Year-Old Mrs. Linda to Her Eldest Daughter

Linda sat at the kitchen table, her hands wrapped around a steaming cup of coffee. Her eldest daughter, Emily, sat across from her, concern etched on her face. The room was filled with an uncomfortable silence, broken only by the ticking of the wall clock.

“Mom, are you sure about this?” Emily finally asked, her voice tinged with worry.

Linda sighed deeply, her eyes reflecting years of fatigue and unspoken frustrations. “Yes, Emily. I initiated the divorce. I want to live my own life,” she said, her voice steady but filled with a mix of sadness and determination.

For years, Linda had been the backbone of her family. She had dedicated her life to raising Emily and her younger brother, Michael, while managing the household. Her husband, John, had always been the breadwinner, but his contribution ended there. He never helped with chores, never did the grocery shopping, and never cleaned up after himself. Linda had accepted this dynamic for decades, believing it was her duty as a wife and mother.

But now, at 60, Linda felt the weight of those years pressing down on her. Her body ached from years of physical labor, and her spirit was weary from the emotional toll of feeling unappreciated and unsupported.

“Mom, I understand you’re tired, but is divorce really the answer?” Emily asked, her eyes searching her mother’s face for any sign of doubt.

Linda took a deep breath. “Emily, I’ve spent my entire life taking care of everyone else. Your father has never lifted a finger to help me. He enjoys his meals but leaves the dishes for me to clean. He expects a clean house but never contributes to keeping it that way. I’m exhausted, and I can’t do it anymore.”

Emily’s heart ached for her mother. She had seen the strain in Linda’s eyes over the years but had never fully understood the depth of her mother’s exhaustion until now.

“Have you talked to Dad about how you feel?” Emily asked gently.

Linda nodded. “I’ve tried, Emily. Many times. But he just doesn’t get it. He thinks it’s my job to take care of everything because I don’t work outside the home. But taking care of a household is work—hard work.”

Emily reached across the table and took her mother’s hand. “I’m so sorry, Mom. I wish things were different.”

Linda squeezed her daughter’s hand in return. “I know you do, sweetheart. But I can’t keep living like this. I want to enjoy my golden years without feeling like a servant in my own home.”

As the days turned into weeks, Linda’s decision weighed heavily on the family. John was shocked and angry when he received the divorce papers. He couldn’t understand why Linda was leaving him after all these years.

“You’re throwing away everything we’ve built together,” he shouted during one heated argument.

“No, John,” Linda replied calmly. “I’m reclaiming my life.”

The divorce process was long and painful. Emily and Michael struggled to come to terms with their parents’ separation. They tried to support both their mother and father but found themselves caught in the middle of a bitter battle.

Linda moved into a small apartment on the other side of town. It was modest but cozy, and for the first time in years, she felt a sense of peace. She spent her days reading, gardening, and taking long walks in the park.

But despite her newfound freedom, Linda couldn’t escape the loneliness that crept in during the quiet moments. She missed the family dinners, the laughter of her children when they were young, and even the familiar presence of John.

One evening, as she sat alone in her apartment, Linda received a call from Emily.

“Mom, how are you holding up?” Emily asked.

“I’m doing okay,” Linda replied, though her voice betrayed a hint of sadness.

“Are you happy?” Emily pressed gently.

Linda paused before answering. “I’m at peace, Emily. But happiness… that’s something I’m still searching for.”

As the months passed, Linda continued to navigate her new life. She found solace in small joys but couldn’t shake the feeling that something was missing. The divorce had given her freedom but also left a void that was hard to fill.

In the end, Linda realized that while she had escaped a life of servitude, true happiness was still elusive. She had taken a brave step towards reclaiming her life but discovered that some wounds take longer to heal.