The shock of visiting: How do my son and daughter-in-law live?
«How can you exist in such poverty?» I blurted out when I saw the conditions in which my son and his wife were living. I made my first visit to them six months after their wedding. This visit left a deep impression on me, and even now, I still can’t get over what I witnessed.
**First Meeting: Expectations vs. Reality**
My son, let’s call him Dmitry, married a girl named Alevtina. They met two years ago, and I genuinely rejoiced in their union. The wedding was modest but warm, and I thought they would have already established a home. They moved to a small town near Nizhny Novgorod, where Dmitry found a job, and Alevtina took care of the household. I was eagerly anticipating this visit, dreaming of seeing their cozy home, bringing them gifts, and celebrating with them. But reality turned out to be different.
When I crossed the threshold of their apartment, my heart sank. An old «Khrushchyovka» with peeling wallpaper and creaky floors. The furniture seemed gathered from various places: a crooked couch, a table with wear marks, and a wardrobe with a door hanging off. In the kitchen stood a refrigerator humming like a train, and in the bathroom, a faucet leaked. I had expected to see a warm nest, but instead, I was faced with something more resembling a temporary refuge.
**The Life of the Young Couple: Bitter Discoveries**
Alevtina greeted me with a smile and offered tea. But when she opened the cupboard, I saw a meager set of dishes: three plates, two spoons, and a single pot. The kettle was covered in limescale, and the table was covered with a worn tablecloth. «How do you live like this?» I couldn’t help but ask. Alevtina blushed, and Dmitry replied, «Mom, we’re just getting started. Everything will be fine.»
The longer I stayed, the more horrified I became.
I noticed that they were doing laundry in a basin. I suggested buying an old washing machine, but Alevtina firmly said, «We’ll manage for now.» Their pride amazed me, but watching their life was painful.
**Returning: Lessons and Reflections**
As I left, I carried heavy thoughts with me. They are strong people, believing in better times. They don’t complain, they don’t ask for help, they go after their goals. But as a mother, it hurts to see my son living in such hardship.
This trip taught me to appreciate what I have and respect their choices. Now, I help quietly: I send them groceries and give them things for the house. Alevtina and I have grown closer—I now see in her not just a daughter-in-law but a resilient, hardworking young woman.
I believe they will succeed, and I’ll be there for them—not with reproaches, but with support. The most important thing is that they are happy, even if their happiness currently fits into an old «Khrushchyovka» with an empty fridge.
