Four months ago, I gave birth to our fourth child, Dylan, joining his three siblings under eight. Managing a newborn with three young children is exhausting but fulfilling. However, life took a turn with Dylan’s birth. My mother-in-law started showing up unannounced, making a mess and intruding.

One morning, after a sleepless night and Dylan’s vaccinations, I craved a cup of coffee. But when I reached the kitchen, my mother-in-law had taken the last cup. My frustration grew, especially since George, my husband, failed to address the issue when I told him.

The breaking point came one evening. Exhausted, I made homemade pizzas with the kids. When I returned to the kitchen, George and his mother had eaten the pizzas meant for the children. Angry, I confronted them. They justified their actions by implying concern about my weight, which was the last straw.

I told them to leave, and George spent the night at his mother’s. I ordered pizza for the kids and made a decision. The next day, I filed for divorce, leaving the papers in an empty pizza box for George to find. With the support of my parents, I moved in with them, focusing on healing and planning for the future.

Standing up for myself and my children was the hardest but best decision. I’ve shown them the importance of self-respect and making tough choices for a better future. Now, we know our worth and won’t accept anything less than genuine love and support.