Monique Evans, the former model and presenter, has openly shared her struggles to connect with her grandchildren amid rising tensions within her family. At 68, Evans feels the weight of the estrangement from her daughter, Bárbara Evans, who is now 33. Their conflict, rooted deeply enough for Bárbara to block Monique on social media, has complicated Monique's ability to see her precious grandchildren.
Speaking with LeoDias, Monique expressed her frustration, stating, "Então, a gente ainda não está se falando, a gente precisa de tempo. Então, eu estou obedecendo, estou na minha," which translates to, "So we’re still not talking, we need time. So, I’m obeying, I’m just minding my own business." This distance has prompted Monique to find unconventional ways to keep abreast of her grandchildren's growth, leading her to create a fake social media profile to monitor their developments.
"Estou bloqueada, eu tenho um perfil fake pra poder ver meus netos," she explained, admitting the bittersweet nature of her efforts. "I’m blocked; I have a fake profile to see my grandchildren. And I see her too, she looks beautiful, she made a lovely hairdo." Monique's dilemma mirrors broader feelings of loss and longing, as she elaborates on how her familial bonds have become strained over seemingly trivial matters.
One of the more pressing events on Monique’s mind is Ayla's upcoming third birthday, which is set to occur this April. Reflecting on the occasion, she signaled her wish for reconciliation: "Mas é uma pena, porque é aniversário da minha neta agora no início de abril e só tem março pra ela me convidar, né?" ("But it’s too bad because it’s my granddaughter’s birthday at the beginning of April and she has only March to invite me, right?"). Monique's desire to attend the celebration and be part of her grandchildren's lives is palpable.
She continues to long for the day when she can be part of their lives again, declaring, "A Ayla tem que me conhecer, os meninos têm que me conhecer, porque senão eles vão ficar mais velhos e vão perguntar 'Cadê minha avó?'." ("Ayla has to know me, the boys have to know me, because otherwise, they will grow older and ask, 'Where's my grandma?"').
The catalyst for this distance remains somewhat shrouded, though Monique indicated it arose from family disagreements—what she described as, "uma bobagem" ("a silly thing"). Both madre and filha seem caught up in the emotional web of their past grievances, leaving Monique hopeful for resolution. She mentioned how such disputes are common within families and believes they can fade with time.
Reflecting on her experiences, Monique also made it clear she never asked for help from Bárbara. Her disappointment was palpable, especially when she pointed out Bárbara's absence at significant family milestones, including her own mother's 90th birthday. "Eu nunca pedi que ela viesse me ajudar," she said. "I never asked her to come help me. First, because I don't need anyone to take care of me. I treat myself, take my medicine. My partner is here to help me. She didn’t come for my 90-year-old mother’s birthday; do you think she’d come for me?"
This complex relationship echoes the struggles many families face amid generational divides and personal disputes reflected publicly through social media. Monique's story serves as both a personal narrative and broader commentary on family dynamics, highlighting the emotional toll of estrangement alongside the drive for reconciliation.
Despite the challenges, Monique is hopeful. She stated, "Eu acho que uma ligação, um desbloqueio, ela me desbloquear," meaning, "I think one call, one unblocking; she has to unblock me." For now, she waits, cherishing the hope of reconnecting with her grandchildren and mending the strained bonds with her daughter, believing time will soften their disputes.