My mother often drives me to distraction. She imagines conversations, she dwells on things (real or imagined) for weeks, she says 'I can't' when she can. I know it's not her fault that the neurons are aging, but sometimes I dread her phoning, having imagined I said or promised something, or to ask me about a thought that's been worrying her. Some days she's got her old spark back and is on the up, others she's lost and vulnerable, and I find it sad and difficult.
Our niece is amazing; she is strong, beautiful and funny (just like her mother), she and her brother are a real inspiration.
When I'm struggling with my parents getting older, feeling impatient with Mum and worrying about what's going to happen in the future, I have to remind myself that others wish with all their hearts that they had both parents to worry about...
Now there's a wisened niece that you can be proud of and proud for. If he isn't going to respect one, darn questionable how he'll respect others.
ReplyDeleteAnd I feel for her and you cuz I believe it's difficult either way--with.....or without.
I'm a 'mom' worshiper, much for the same reason the neice is--I lost mine at a young age and didn't get the opportunity to walk through some things with her (or my father as he passed on when I was in my early 20's).
I did get to walk through some of that with the step-mom who I lost in my late 20's--ever so grateful I did get to do that part with her. Honestly, I preferred having that privilege.
It's a whole thesis as to why that is! LOL