I’m 65 and never had children of my own, but I raised my stepson from the time he was eight. He was my child in every way that mattered. I also have a nephew I rarely see, and for years I planned to leave him my inheritance—a four-bedroom family home that once belonged to my grandparents.
That house has always meant everything to me. I wanted it to stay in my blood family, to preserve our legacy.
When my stepson found out, he exploded. “I considered you my mom! Is this how you treat me?” he shouted. I replied, “I’m sorry, but blood comes first.”
The words left my mouth, and I immediately regretted them.
He looked at me coldly and said, “Then stay away from my family. We’re not your blood either.” Just like that, I lost him—and worse, I lost his two small children, the grandchildren I never had.
I stayed silent. I believed I had made my choice.
Then everything collapsed.
A few days later, my nephew visited and casually mentioned he planned to sell the house as soon as he inherited it. He wanted the money for a business venture. I was horrified. The entire reason I chose him was to keep the house in the family.
Now my stepson won’t speak to me. My husband says I was unfair and has taken his son’s side.
I tried to protect a legacy—and may have destroyed my family instead.
