As a 42-year-old single mother of two, I thought I could create a safe haven in my new home, which is a dream full of hope. I moved into what I believed to be my dream house a few months ago, complete with a lovely garden. However, an unwanted neighbor who intended to construct a garage encroaching on my property quickly put my transition into jeopardy.

He dismissed my worries about his plans during our first meeting, claiming I was exaggerating. The garage was completely built in my garden when I returned from seeing my mother, which infuriated and shocked me. I came to see that this was about respect and my right to defend my house, not just about property. I collected proof of my property rights because I was determined to fight back.

My neighbor continued to dismiss me when I presented him with legal documents, but I refused to back down and threatened to take legal action if needed.

I eventually prevailed in the difficult legal battle, regaining my garden and boosting my confidence. My garden became a symbol of empowerment and hope for the future as a result of this journey, which taught me important lessons about boundaries, resilience, and the strength of community support.