Man this almost brought me to tears. I understand the pain of losing someone dear to you.
"I want to see you happy. Not like this. Leave this place. Move on."
You were very lucky to have had such an amazing mother-in-law, others wouldn't even do that coz most would condone their children's bad behavior. I probably think she understood you best coz she is a woman herself and was trying to protect you. I'm a man myself and if I see a man raising a hand to his child or wife my blood always boils since I have been a battered son and my mother was a battered wife. My father's mother was also like your mother-in-law, she protected me and my mother from my idiotic father. Although my mother never remarried she is happy.
Thanks for sharing and condolence for the loss. May you have a happy life ahead of you.
Thanks for the comment. Yes, I could say I was lucky to have her. Thank you for your kind words.