The other day, my brother rang me to say that he and his family were heading off on holiday. As he didnt want to leave our mum on her own, he asked if Id take her in for a bit. I didnt mind really, since my brother and his lot have looked after her for ages. Mum has always had quite a tricky personality, and she certainly knows how to create a drama out of thin air.
At my flat, I only have the one bed, so I decided to give in and let Mum have it while I slept on the floor. Things started off well enough. But when it came to bedtime, Mum began complaining that she was uncomfortable and something was poking her back. The irony is, Id only just bought that bed and theres no way anything should be wrong with it. I ended up rummaging around for an extra duvet to see if that would help. I hoped at least that shed finally settle, but no such luck. She just couldnt relax.
The next morning, I got up, made myself a cup of tea, and started getting ready for work. Just before I was about to leave, Mum asked me, Where are you off to? Whos going to give me my injection?
I was completely thrown; nobody had mentioned anything about injections. So, I phoned my brother straight away. Turns out, Mum knows perfectly well how to give herself her jabs. So, with that sorted (and already running an hour and a half late), I hurried off to work.
When I got back that evening, I found Mum lying down, breathing heavily, and I could hardly get her up. As it happens, shed eaten all sorts of things she shouldnt have, so now she was feeling poorly.
You dont care about me, thats why this is happening, Mum said. You want me to die, dont you?
I tried to explain, Mum, I cant just quit my job and look after you all day.
The truth is, Mum is still capable of looking after herself. It was only a few years ago that my brother sold her old flat and put the money towards the three-bedroom place he has now, which is why she lives with them. I honestly have not the faintest idea how to handle her moods and whims. She behaves so childishly, but instead of being endearing, its just miserable and draining. She can be absolutely awful at times.
