Mom with incurable cancer booked a $1,330 family holiday while she still could. Her in-laws were furious when they found out

A serious health crisis often changes the way a person prioritizes money and time. An individual who goes by u/instabanous on Reddit realized the profound truth only after they were diagnosed with an incurable cancer a year ago. The person confessed they had been taking frequent trips to spend quality time with the family. However, recently, their decision to prioritize a weekend holiday over saving money for the kids led to chaos when the in-laws accused them of splurging. Pissed, the person shared their frustration on July 18, and the post has received 1,500 upvotes online. 

A costly family feud

The author's treatment was working well, but they knew they only had limited time left. Money was tight since they were living only on disability and welfare money, but they confessed, "Finances are complicated but not desperate." Moreover, the author said they would receive their life insurance payout and pension soon, which was why they went ahead and spent $1,330 on a weekend beach holiday on an interest-free credit card. However, when their in-laws found out, they were furious, thinking they would have to cover the bills. The author clarified, "I have never asked them for money." But that did not appease their husband's parents. In fact, the mother-in-law even tried to send the author on a guilt trip for spending money. 

She stood her ground

The MIL even asked, "Shouldn't you be saving your money for the children?" This infuriated the author, who said they refuse to spend their remaining time waiting for their death or saving money for their kids. Moreover, the person confessed they would never have put the holiday on credit, especially while unemployed. But because of their limited time, the author was sure that they "won't regret this relatively small expenditure." The following day, the mother-in-law texted the author's husband, saying that their "glee in their new credit card is genuinely terrifying" and that the author has a "frantic need to spend money." She claimed that the author had gone mad and asked if her son needed any help.

Making it count

Most people with terminal diseases want to spend their time wisely. In fact, a YouGov poll cited by The Institute of Cancer Research revealed that the majority of patients (74%) wanted to use the time they have left with family. Additionally, while 51% wanted to spend it with friends, a similar share (45%) wanted to use that time traveling. In the case of the author, they wanted to use their time doing something they love, such as traveling with their family. But, unfortunately, their in-laws saw it as a waste rather than a meaningful experience.

'It's none of their business'

Meanwhile, people pushed the author to take the trip and make memories with their children. At the same time, they criticized the MIL for being too harsh on someone who just wanted to make the best of whatever time they had left. u/RavenRead commented, "Your kids will cherish this for the rest of their lives. Make sure your spouse and children know how much you love them. That’s it. That’s all you get to do. Life is short. Don’t waste another second thinking about drama like this." u/Majestic_Orchid4651 wrote, "My husband’s dad died in an accident when he was 19. His dad had a very healthy insurance policy. My husband would have preferred more time with his dad than money. Enjoy every moment you can with your kids. Give them memories that they can hold onto."

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