My 72-year-old mother-in-law smoked every day in front of my young children, completely ignoring my desperate pleas. But one night, when I watched them in secret, I discovered WHAT I WAS TEACHING MY TWO CHILDREN. The scariest thing was that they didn’t even resist... ON THE CONTRARY, THEY BEGGED THEIR GRANDMOTHER TO CONTINUE! ...

That night I understood something very important.

For years I had seen my mother-in-law as a stubborn woman who refused to listen to others.

But behind his stubbornness were the pain, guilt and a deep fear of change.

That didn't justify their mistakes.

But it helped me understand how I could support her while still protecting my children.

Martha is seventy-four years old today.

She's been without smoking for two years.

Every afternoon you sit in the same kitchen, in the same old chair, holding the same red cup.

Only now your cup is full of hot tea.

And next to him sit his two grandchildren, who love to hear their grandmother’s stories.

One night, Emma asked him a question.

“Grandma, are you never afraid to smoke again?”

Martha smiled.

Sometimes yes, honey. But now I know there's nothing shameful about asking for help.

Then he turned to me.