The last 11 months have been a total s#$t show!
I won't waste your time with all of it!
I will share that I was diagnosed with colon cancer in April. PTL at this point I am cancer free! Along with that I fractured my left foot while going thru severe neck and left shoulder pain.
I am slated for a two level fusion on my c spine in 3 weeks.
As per usual, I called my (narcissistic) mom for the 2nd time today.
I really needed a shoulder to lean on!
I really needed words of love and encouragement! My Bad!!
I should not be surprised that what I got instead was a running commentary on how she's been thru it all, and her situation was so much worse!
So tonight I find myself, yet again, mourning the mother I never knew!
I know so many of you are in the same place!
Please share how you deal (or mourn)!
At the very least, we can lift each other up when our LOs aren't capable!!
I will never understand why people, especially your own mother feels as if they have to one up you when you are telling them about your situation.
It would have been nice if she could have left herself out of it and actually listened to your concerns. It is selfish behavior.
I would not expect your mom to be responsive to your situation because she has proven that she places herself first. As you say, a lot of people have dealt with this situation. I gave up on trying to make my mom understand what I felt. It just gave her ammunition to attack me with.
So instead of looking to receive compassion from her, go to another source, perhaps a good friend or another relative besides your mom.
I realize that you do not know me and we don’t have a connection in life but for what it is worth, I care. I am sorry that you have had cancer. I am thrilled that you beat it. My husband has cancer now and while I am hopeful that his treatment will be successful it’s a stressful and frightening time for us.
Sorry about your foot, neck and shoulder discomfort. It seems like everything happens all at once and it gets overwhelming.
I sincerely hope things get better for you soon. Take care.
Thank you for your kindness!
So many have advised me to just cut all ties.
The honest truth is that I am just not wired that way!
Whether it's guilty, honor or my faith, I know I couldn't deal with the aftermath.
I have always been a strong woman! Raised 3 wonderful kids on my own. Bought a home for us on my own.
This last year has brought me to my knees.
Hope springs eternal!!
I developed a network of friends and other family members to be my support in times of trouble. I leaned heavily on my husband. I became especially close to a cousin who also was a caregiver to her elderly parents.
(((((Hugs))))))
I have a great network of friends!
Especially Church friends. I just hate to be that person that is always the complainer.
I have (and am still) always been that pig headed person that finds it hard to ask for help.
I am so grateful for all of your advice and uplifting comments!!
Thank you, truly!
God bless sister!!!😘
I am glad to hear that you are now cancer-free. That is fantastic. That is worth celebrating. Did you do anything special? I'll going to have a colonoscopy done soon, and I am hoping for good news.
About your spine fusion, is it a complicated procedure/surgery? Will you have someone to help you afterwards?
Yes it's a complicated surgery. About 4 hours!
Yes I will have help.
I have been happily remarried for 12 years to a wonderful man.
He happens to be a Doctor! Lol
You are not alone, and however you choose to deal with your situation, will be right for you. No one wants to get to the end of their life and have any regrets, so listen to your heart, and do what's best for you. God bless you and keep you.
Thanks so much!!
You have tried less contact I think? Is that improving things somewhat?
Only you know if cutting all ties is right for you... For me, something very dire would have to prompt that but I have had a long long time to accept the relationship we have. It has never been the story-book mother-daughter closeness. Even with my siblings, I can call & ask about their week, job, health etc but very very seldom a call is made back to me. I have had to accept they have limited brain reserve to think outside their own issues, their own needs.
Every now & then it saddens me (like you) that it has not been more, but I remind myself to accept it & go looking for support in places I will have more success.
I will conjur up a picture of a beautiful cape of protection - warmly placed around your shoulders for when you next visit/talk to Mother.
❤️❤️❤️
Back at ya!
((((Hugs))))!!