Woman Kicks Husband out over Low Income, Later Learns He Died Leaving Her $100K

Catherine and Mike were married for seven years. Four years ago, they had their son, Andy. Catherine believed that Andy's birth would bring positive changes, especially in Mike.

She felt Mike lacked responsibility. Catherine hoped having a child would make Mike step up and provide for their family. But things didn’t go as she expected.

Mike kept spending nights out with friends, returning home late. He showed little drive at work, which upset Catherine because they once shared big goals together.

Catherine began to feel Mike had either given up or become too comfortable. If he wasn’t out, he’d spend hours lounging on the couch.

One morning, after several talks about his behavior, Catherine tried again.

“Mike, this isn’t what we promised on our wedding day. It’s been seven years, and we’re still in the same place. I’ve waited and prayed for change, but I can’t do it anymore,” she said with sadness.

“Things are tough right now, but I promise it’ll get better,” Mike replied, trying to hug her.

“You’ve been saying that for years, Mike. I don’t believe it anymore,” she said, stepping away.

Mike often made empty promises and went back to his old habits. He wanted to improve but didn’t know where to start.

That day, Mike decided to change for real. Driving home, he thought about his bad habits and how to improve for his family. He planned to sit with Catherine and talk about changes step-by-step.

But when he arrived home, the house was empty. Catherine had left a note. Tears filled Mike’s eyes as he read:

“Mike, I’ve tried to be patient, but I can’t anymore. The example you’re setting isn’t what I want for Andy. I wanted him to have the strong, ambitious father I married. But you’re no longer that man. Andy and I can’t stay. I’m sorry.”

Mike was crushed. As much as he was angry with Catherine for leaving, he knew she was right. Her departure was a wake-up call. Sitting on the floor, holding the note, he cried as Catherine and Andy traveled to her parents’ house across the country.

A year passed. Catherine and Andy adjusted to life in her hometown. Catherine, once a housewife, now had a job.

One day, Mike’s mother, Mary, called Catherine with troubling news.

“Hi, Catherine. It’s about Mike,” Mary said, her voice heavy with emotion.

“If this is about fixing things, Mary, I think you should talk to him—” Catherine began, but Mary interrupted.

“No, Catherine. Mike’s… he’s gone. He passed this morning,” Mary said, her voice breaking.

“No… that can’t be,” Catherine stammered, tears streaming down her face.

“He left something for you and Andy. Can we meet tomorrow?” Mary asked.

“Of course,” Catherine said softly.

The next day, Catherine and Andy drove silently to Mary’s home. Both were heartbroken. Catherine had told Andy about his father’s death, and they shared their grief.

Mary welcomed them, and they reminisced about Mike over tea. Then Mary brought out a document.

“He left you $100,000,” Mary said.

“What? How? He didn’t have anything when we were together,” Catherine said, shocked.

“Losing you both changed him. At first, he kept up his old ways—late nights with friends. But then, he turned his life around. He worked long hours, got promoted, and saved. He wanted to build you a home and earn your forgiveness,” Mary explained with tears in her eyes.

They all cried together, and Catherine stared at an old picture of Mike.

“He really did change, didn’t he? And I didn’t give him a chance,” she admitted, guilt overwhelming her. Mary held her hand lovingly.

“Don’t blame yourself, Catherine. You inspired him to become his best self. He wanted to be the man you loved again. For that, I’m grateful,” Mary said.

“Thank you, Mary,” Catherine replied.

“No, thank you. He became the man I always prayed for, even if it came at a cost. Use this money for whatever you need,” Mary said.

Back home, Catherine couldn’t stop crying. She blamed herself for everything. That day, she vowed to honor Mike’s memory by continuing her marriage vows. She didn’t spend the money on herself. Instead, she used it for Andy’s education and future.