Off The Record

My Son’s Family Abandoned Me On A Highway… They Had No Idea What I’d Do Next

Published on July 19, 2025

Recently, an elderly woman posted a terrifying story on the internet about how her family abandoned her for hours at a rest stop.

There was incredulity and indignation in the comments—how could someone harm their mother like that?

However, the post struck a different chord with me. Not only was I reading the tale, but I was doing so from the same petrol station where, three days prior, my son had abandoned me.

I was completely chilled by the parallels. When Marcus and Rebecca abandoned me on Highway 85, they were unaware that I wasn’t a helpless elderly person.

The house they believed to be theirs was actually owned by me.

Let me explain how I went from being in the background to being in charge.

Marcus had called me six months prior, his voice brimming with anxiety. He said, “Mom, we’re in big trouble.”

“Rebecca was laid off. We could lose the house due to the combination of mortgage payments and school expenses.”

I was well settled in a Phoenix retirement community at the age of 70.

I never imagined having to take on a financial rescue role once more. But what do you do when your son is in trouble?

“How much do you lack?” I enquired.

“We could survive for a few months if we had $80,000,” he said. “If we lost our home, the kids would be devastated.”

My beloved grandchildren, Emma, 12, and Tyler, 8, sprang to mind.

I replied, “Of course I’ll help.” “Families help one another.”

I took money out of my retirement fund and wired the entire sum in a matter of days. However, I took precautions.

I learnt not to make financial decisions without documentation because of my late husband’s business savvy.

The $80,000 was a loan secured by a lien on their house, according to the arrangement I had my lawyer create. Despite his hesitation, Marcus signed.

“Thank you, Mom. We’re being saved by you.”

It was all right at first.

Every week, Marcus called. I learnt about the children’s school activities and Rebecca’s employment quest. However, those updates decreased.

The calls became shorter. Rebecca eventually became “unavailable” all the time.

Marcus informed me that Rebecca’s parents would be present when I offered to come over for Tyler’s birthday.

He sidestepped once more when I brought up Emma’s art exhibit. I didn’t feel like a loved one, more like a nuisance.

Then, in May, Emma happened to answer Marcus’s phone. “Grandmother Ruth!” she exclaimed.

“You are missed! What time will you arrive? You’re always too busy, according to Daddy. Show me my purple room, please!”

I was taken aback. Too occupied? Marcus spoke before I could respond.

“Give me the phone, Emma!” He hung up after jumping on the queue and muttering something about being confused.

That was it. I took an unexpected flight to Denver.

I was taken aback when I pulled into their driveway.

A brand-new BMW gleamed in the driveway, and the lawn was immaculate. Not a family facing foreclosure, for sure.

I pressed the bell. From within came Rebecca’s voice: “Marcus, do you understand? I’m making arrangements for the dinner party this evening!”

When Marcus saw me, his face went white. “Mom? Why have you come here?”

“I wanted the kids to be surprised.”

He spoke too hastily when he said, “The kids are at birthday parties.”

“Different ones,” Rebecca continued.

There was always some reason when I tried to arrange a visit. I was obviously not welcome.

I started excavating that evening. Rebecca had received a promotion instead of losing her job. The BMW had been purchased two months prior.

That weekend, I even caught a glimpse of Emma and Tyler playing in the garden. They were lying.

I gave Marcus a call. “Is Rebecca employed?” I enquired.

“Yes, but—”

“You’re lying about needing money, driving a BMW, and hosting parties.”

“You don’t get to judge how we spend our money, Mom,” he yelled.

I knew then. I was no longer their mother. I only served as their creditor.

Marcus later proposed that I move in with them. He said, “It will save you money.”

And you can assist by cooking, watching the children, etc. Given that you will be living with us, perhaps forgive the loan.

Instead of a roommate, he desired a free babysitter. “No,” I replied.

“Selfish,” he declared. “We’re providing you with an opportunity to spend time with your grandchildren.”

“I’m going with dignity,” I answered.

They asked me to go on a family road trip after we had been silent for months. I consented after hesitating. They might be trying to make things right.

However, Rebecca brought it up once more during the drive: “You don’t really need that money, right?”

“Is money really more important than family?” Marcus added.

We later made a stop at a picturesque vantage point on Highway 85.

I went outside to get some fresh air. The automobile doors slammed shut as I turned around.

The window was rolled down by Marcus. We believe you need some time to consider, Mom. I wish you luck on your journey home.

My phone, medicine, and bag were all taken away from me.

I was stunned as I stood there.

I walked to the petrol station, trembling. Jake, the attendant, assisted me in making a call to my sister Helen.

As I waited, I saw that my credit card had been charged $800 after I had been abandoned. Once more, they had taken from me.

Helen came over and hugged me. She declared, “You’re done protecting them.”

I gave my lawyer a call that evening. “I would like to request the loan.”

“Are you certain?” she enquired.

“Never have I been so sure.”

A formal demand was served to Marcus and Rebecca a week later. They manipulated and threatened in response. I didn’t bend, though.

I eventually discovered everything, including the fictitious jobless claim, the gambling debts, and even a plot to portray me as mentally ill.

They had marked me. But not any more.

Helen and I now share a home with Emma and Tyler.

Together, we purchased a house and established a trustworthy existence. The children are doing well.

And me? I’m seventy-one. Although I lost a son, I now have a family that genuinely cares for me.

Rebecca and Marcus believed they had broken me.

Rather, they released me.

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