Stepchildren want me out of their father’s house

Dear Pastor,

I am writing to you for your best advice. I am having a problem and I think you would advise me. I am 50. My husband died three years ago.

We did not have children together, but he had six. None of them helped me when he became ill. I had to take care of him all by myself. I got some help from my church brethren, but that was all. Now that their father has died, they want to run me out of the house. One of his daughters even said that I killed their father to get the house. It has been a long time since this man and I were dealing with each other. He used to leave the woman he was living with and come and sleep with me and then get up early and go home. He became sick after we got married, but I stayed with him because he was a good man to me.

I got pregnant twice and lost both babies. Some of the children have been very out of order. They call me a mule. They never gave me a cent to help to buy medication for this man. I have a brother and he stays with me sometimes to protect me because they say if they can't get this house, they will burn it down. They even scandalise my name and say that I have a man and I had this man while I was with their father. The man was a good friend of my husband, but he and I have never gone to bed. These children are just wicked. Their father made a will, but they do not know that. My brother went with me to see a lawyer. The lawyer has the will. Why should these children be so wicked to me and I have been so good to their father? What should I do?

M.A.

Dear M.A.,

You have to try your very best to ignore these children. Legally, they cannot get you out of the house and your lawyer would do everything to protect you.

I am glad that your brother stays with you occasionally. There are some children who do not like their stepmothers, but as soon as their fathers die, they try to get possession of the matrimonial home. Don't allow them to bully you out of that house.

You said your husband made a will, so work with your lawyer. You need not be afraid. A will that is properly written has one or two executors. So the lawyer would also work with the executors. Don't be worried. You are going to be alright, but report every threat to the police. I am glad that you took care of your husband until he died. You are a good woman. I wish you well.

Pastor