Treebywater Posted July 10, 2005 Share Posted July 10, 2005 I need to process this and maybe get some feedback. You all know that my aunt flew in to see Mom for 10 days... She's wonderful, she's such a great help, I'm so grateful... And at the same time I'm finding myself jealous and hurt. My aunt cared for both of my grandparents before they died. She's got the caretaking role down pretty good. But we had it down pretty well ourselves before she came in. Now... Mom is really preferring her. If she needs something she calls for her. I'm feeling left out and like I must not have been doing a good job of taking care of her after all. I just feel so deflated... I'm trying so hard, and working so hard and now she prefers someone else take care of her. Her brother came to visit this weekend as well and when she found out his work contract was up at the end of the month she invited HIM to come help up here... I just feel like I must not be doing it right for her... And if I wasn't doing it right, why couldn't she have told me, "Maybe you could do this differently," instead of not saying anything until her sister comes who can apparently do it better. I guess I'm just insecure... but this is an awful feeling on top of seeing how very bad things are for her right now. I'm afraid we're getting near the point that we'll need hospice. Anyway... You guys always help me get a better perspective... Help? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kasey Posted July 10, 2005 Share Posted July 10, 2005 ((((Val)))), PLEASE try to take a deep breath here. Everyone's lives have been turned upside down with you Mom's diagnosis. Of COURSE you are good enough. Of COURSE you were doing things right. Your Mom is scared. So are you. I think she probably feels she needs time with her sister a little. Time for making some lasting memories and perhaps some closure - for them both. Don't you think she would feel comforted by her sister (and brother apparently) at this time? I just don't think she knows how to make you ALL feel important at the same time. Take this opportunity to refuel your engines and catch up on some much deserved rest! I don't know the logistics of where everyone is and just how things are playing out. But PLEASE don't be hard on yourself. I have had the opportunity to be on both sides of this coin. Now with myself as patient - and in the '80's with first my Dad and then my Mother. Both parts are hard to play. So look at this as a time for sister and brothr to visit and be with their sister. Your aunt may just think you need a break and is doing what she is for YOU too, don't know. So Val, I really don't know nothin' here. I just wanted you to know that everything you've done and are doing is AOK as far as I can see. Wish you were MY daughter!!!!! I would feel so lucky! I am thinking of you and your Mom every day. Stay strong - that is my heartfelt wish for you at this time. With so much caring and so many HUGS, Kasey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fall54 Posted July 10, 2005 Share Posted July 10, 2005 Val, I think Kasey has said it all. I have 6 siblings and would want time with all of them and would also need that closure. I am sure you're Mom has no idea that it has made you feel this way. I am sure you were doing a wonderful job of caring for her but I bet she is also thinking Thank God Val is getting a break. Take that break, let Mom have this time with her siblings and be there as you are needed. Mom sure knows how much you love her and so do her siblings. Take some time for yourself and regroup. I also wish I had a daughter like you! God Bless You Sweetie, Jane Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shineladysue Posted July 10, 2005 Share Posted July 10, 2005 Oh Val, Your mom loves you . Nonone can replace a son or daughter. She's so blessed to have a daughter like you . I join the others in saying, I would love to have you be my daughter too. It sounds like she is just enjoying the novelty of having her sister there. You haven't been replaced Val, you have just been put out of the limelight for a bit. Her siblings are probably trying to spend some quality time with your mom , as well. Try to relax and go with it and understand they haven't had the time to spend with her that you have. ((((Val))), you are such a wonderful daughter. Know that you have my prayers for you and your family. Love and Prayers, Sue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fay A. Posted July 10, 2005 Share Posted July 10, 2005 Val, Perhaps your Mom feels that you need a break. It was only days ago that you blew up in sheer frustration within hearing of your Mom. I'm going to say something here that may anger others, including you. It isn't meant to do that, and it isn't meant as an attack. But the bottom line is that this time right now is about your MOM and what it takes to make her comfortable. And if that means she is more comfortable with her siblings as her caregivers then so be it. She should not have to be worried about hurting your feelings right now. She's your Mom and she loves you and if she thinks for one minute that you are hurt she is going to redirect her energies towards you...and right now they need to be focused on herself. I can so relate to where you are right now, Val. My husband was in the service for 26 years, and I, too, had to travel across the country to care for my Mom during her illness with Lung Cancer. I checked my ego at the door before I entered the house. It wasn't about me. It was about her. I was her Pit Bull...the one she called when she needed someone to enforce her choices, regardless of whether I agreed with them or not. As time passed and the brain tumors took over she forgot who I was. She mistook me for a nurse she liked. And she would talk about "...her eldest daughter..." (that would be me). And evidently I was not her favorite child...too assertive...too strong willed...but still...she could always trust me to keep her as healthy as possible and as comfortable as possible and as mentally at peace as possible. And if that meant me pretending to be someone else while she spoke unflatteringly of me, then so be it. I reassured her that she shouldn't worry because I knew exactly how to handle that eldest daughter of hers. And I did. Don't you think for one minute that it didn't break my heart to have her talk about me like that. But she never knew she wasn't talking to the nurse, Margaret. Right now it's about your Mom. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stand4hope Posted July 10, 2005 Share Posted July 10, 2005 Hi Val, You've got lots of different spins on this issue, and I'll give you yet another one, which may not apply in your case at all. My mother was always very critical of me. I could never do anything right, or even if it was something wonderful I had accomplished, she would downplay it. I don't know why, but I've given lots of different theories from jealousy to trying to get the attention off me and onto my sisters. I have no doubt that my mother loved me, but she treated me that way, anyway. I also know that my grandmother did the same thing to her daughter. My grandmother was the sweetest grandma in the world, but my aunt (her daughter) always got her bad side and the criticism. In both cases, the moms were bossy and critical of the daughters they loved. I was the one that was my mother's caregiver the last two weeks before her death - there was no one else available. We had our moments, but most of the time, I just let my mom be the boss, whether I agreed or not. This really wasn't a problem because believe me, NOBODY ever told my mom what to do anyway. It was her way or the highway. We also bonded during that time, something which we hadn't ever done before. I do know 100%, though, that if my mom's sister had been in town, that my mom would have preferred her to take care of her. Again, I don't know why, but that's just the way it was. I do totally agree with everything that Fay said, but I thought that if my relationship with my mom was anything like yours, then it might help you to understand that sometimes mothers are just critical of their daughters. I think sometimes it's the same way between fathers and sons. Hang in there, kiddo. Just smile and be there for your mom, and try to not be so hard on yourself. Love, Peggy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Wood Posted July 10, 2005 Share Posted July 10, 2005 The others have said it well. It's not about you and your caregiving. You are doing fine. Your mom is reaching out to her siblings to enjoy them while she can. Enjoy her enjoyment. Don Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gail p-m Posted July 10, 2005 Share Posted July 10, 2005 Oh, I think it all has been said. I'm inclined to think that you mom wants to spend time with the others whom she hasn't had some "quality" time with for awhile. You'll be there afterwards. In addition, you mom probably wants to give you a bit of a rest. She knows that in addition to her, you have to care for Carolyn too and as we all know, caring for a baby is demanding and tiring no matter how much you love them. She's probably trying to give you a break while she can. Take the time for you and Carolyn and re-energize. Go for walks, go shopping, whatever it is that you do that you find relaxing. Please always keep in mind that your mother loves you and she knows she's so lucky to have you. Gail p-m Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stand4hope Posted July 10, 2005 Share Posted July 10, 2005 LOL! I logged back on and was going to do a P.S. and say "Also . . . .", but Katie said it first. I can tell you right now, that as much as I love our son, it doesn't thrill me to think of him ever having to take care of ME!!! It seems like it should be the other way around, but it doesn't always go that way. It could just be totally out of your mom's picture to have you taking care of her. I just know your mom loves you with all her heart, Val!!! Love, Peggy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sharyn Posted July 11, 2005 Share Posted July 11, 2005 Dear Val, Your Mom is not turning to others "instead" of you... She is turning to others "because" you are her daughter. She wants to maintain that role as long as possible. The role of her being the "Mom" and you being her child... not her caregiver. When I was dealing with Hospice, they told me something that really stuck with me... "as long as possible, be the child, not the caregiver". Take these moments you have with your Mom and just enjoy her.... let other tend to her physical needs... you can tend to her emotional needs (which are really whats important now).... Hang tight my friend... take a deep breath and I am right here if you need me. Love, Sharon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bunny Posted July 11, 2005 Share Posted July 11, 2005 val, I relate to the feelings so much. what everyone has said rings true for me - though its normal, I think, that you feel the way you do. I want my mom to feel how much I love her by how perfectly and completely I care for her. thing is, she already does. her friends want to help and I get SO possessive but, after running myself into the GROUND this past week, I have finally stopped feeling threatened by their presence and grateful for the break! I can also tell you that I am useless in kitchen, but my mom prefers my company to my godmother's who's like martha stewart!! it's not the DOING we give them, it's who we ARE to them. she is taken care of, don't worry. this post is incoherent, I just want you to know that I relate, I HEAR you, I have no doubt in my mind that you are doing right by your mom. your friend, xoxo amie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Treebywater Posted July 11, 2005 Author Share Posted July 11, 2005 In thinking of it all, all of those different 'spins' have come to me too. I just needed to hear other people say it. Fay, I was not offended, but I do want to reassure you that I am doing all I can to keep it all about her. I also know that though maybe it's silly of me to feel this way, I DO feel this way, so I'm trying to keep that in check and not let a shred of those thoughts cross my face or even my mind when I'm dealing with my Mom or my aunt--just as it hurt you, but you didn't let it show. It is all about her, and at this point if she told me she wanted to fly a rocket to the moon tomorrow, I'd do my darnedest to make it happen. I guess I have sounded pretty self-centered here lately though, huh? I think part of my frustration is also coming from wanting so badly to do my best for her... and feeling like somehow I'm not getting it right. It's not that I'm hurt by HER... I feel disappointed in myself for not doing better. That's probably too much of a me thing as well, but I want to be doing as much for HER as I can, and the thought that I'm coming up short and not getting that done makes me sick with myself. amie--your post was not incoherent... I totally understood. Thank you. I think right now I am going in and out of good and bad head-spaces in general... Most of the time, I know that Mom is just enjoying her sister, and they're both just trying to give ME a break. But then I get the crazies some of the time and have to process through them. Bless all you dear people for listening through the crazies. I will keep trying to have my head on straight, and take this little break I'm being give with my aunt here... I have a feeling things are going to get a whole lot harder here soon, and I need to be ready for THAT battle. So... from now on I will try to just be thankful that Mom IS enjoying my aunt so much, I'll try to take notes on some of the things she is doing that Mom is enjoying, and I'll be grateful for the breaks I'm able to get right now (to come here and write out my crazies ). Val Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ladyintheglen Posted July 11, 2005 Share Posted July 11, 2005 ((((Val)))) I just wanted to add my 2 cents here as a mother to 6 wonderful adult children. When we received my husbands diagnosis and all the crazies started happening at this house I would sometimes talk to my children about what was happening on those bad days. They would just happen to call during a crying jag. After I told them how I was feeling I would always apologize for burdening them. You see I am the mother and they are the children. I am supposed to take care of them and protect them. Not the other way around. I know that they don't feel this way and have told me. But I have trouble with this role reversal. You have just given me a new perspective. Thank you. I will try to allow my children to help more. But not too much more. Take the break and do special things with your Mom. Do something with her that you used to do as a child that made her smile. I have 2 boys that used to sing "Mr. Sandman" to me when they were very little. (3 & 4 yrs. old) It always made me smile and brought great joy because they were so cute. Every once in a while one of them will start singing it. (Mind you they are grown men now.) My heart leaps and I can see them plain as day as small children singing it. I guess what I am trying to tell you here is there are many things you can do for mom that only you can do. No one can take that from you. Sorry for the rambling. Lots of love, hugs and prayers are being sent. Cheryl Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doughnut Posted July 11, 2005 Share Posted July 11, 2005 Val, How did you get on with your Mum pre-cancer? If you got on with her well then I'd say that she's looking to give you a break. She's probably only too well aware how hard this is on you given your own situation with a new baby etc. Dee Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shelliemacs Posted July 11, 2005 Share Posted July 11, 2005 with my mom when we were in it. when her sister came from 2 hours away for just a weekend. my mom pretty much shunned me away too. I now feel she wanted me to pretend, even for a day, that she did not have cancer, and my life was not turned upside down taking care of her. i know my mom was humiliated when I had to feed her through a feeding tube and wash her with a washcloth. moms are independant and in their eyes they are the caretakers, not their daughters, i really feel she just for a bit, wants you to not have to be the adult and just be her daughter again. you need a break anyway, take it and refule like others have said. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ann Posted July 11, 2005 Share Posted July 11, 2005 Val... Here goes my "spin" which has already been "spun." I think your mom is probably just as worried about you as you are about her. She knows that you have beautiful Carolyn and that's a handful for a new mom. She also knows that you miss your husband. I just think she is being a typical mom and worrying about her little girl. By having someone else help her out for a few days, she probably feels she is giving you some well deserved time off. Just take advantage of the situation and use some precious time to do some things for yourself!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elkiesmom Posted July 14, 2005 Share Posted July 14, 2005 Val... Here goes my "spin" which has already been "spun." I think your mom is probably just as worried about you as you are about her. She knows that you have beautiful Carolyn and that's a handful for a new mom. She also knows that you miss your husband. I just think she is being a typical mom and worrying about her little girl. By having someone else help her out for a few days, she probably feels she is giving you some well deserved time off. Just take advantage of the situation and use some precious time to do some things for yourself!!!
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