They believe that I should now support them because their father always gave them everything.

I was once married to a man who made a good living. Thanks to him, I never knew poverty.

He ran a small business – he imported cars, repaired them and sold them. I took care of the house and the children.

Our children never lacked for anything. They got everything they wanted, often without asking.

My husband bought them apartments, threw lavish weddings, took them to the seaside and bought them the latest phones. They got used to a life without effort.

Having grown up in such comfort, they now expect the same from me. When their father was still alive, at least they respected him.

However, they treated me like a servant: I had to cook, do laundry, clean – and they did nothing.

After Mykhail’s death, they jumped at the inheritance. Without hesitation, they threw me out of the house, which they later sold.

“This house isn’t yours, dad bought it! Why do you need such a big house?” they said.

They spent the money from the sale on cars and their own pleasures. A friend, seeing my situation, took me in and advised me to go abroad. So I did.

Now I live in Italy. I take care of an elderly lady and save every penny I earn. I have met many other Ukrainian women here, some from my region.

The work is honest, life is simple, and I am slowly rebuilding my future.

I never went home, not even for the holidays. And why would I? I don’t have a home there anymore.

A few days ago, my son contacted me. He couldn’t handle his father’s business and got into debt.

Since I live abroad, he thinks I have enough money to help him.

“Dad always helped us, and you didn’t do anything! You could at least rehabilitate yourself now!” he said on the phone.

I replied calmly:

“I don’t owe you anything. Children should take care of their parents, not the other way around. Since you never took care of me, now I’ll take care of myself.”

Since that day I have not heard from them. It hurts me that my children are so selfish and ungrateful.

Maybe one day they will understand their mistake. In the meantime, I work hard to secure my future. I can’t count on anyone else.

Am I wrong?