Many years ago, I recall my brother ringing me one afternoon with a request. He and his family were heading off on holiday and, as he didnt want our mother to be left on her own, he wondered if I might take her in for a bit. I agreed, of courseafter all, my brother and his lot had been caring for Mum for ages. Mum, bless her, had always been rather strong-willed and knew exactly how to make a scene from nothing at all.
Back then, my small flat only had a single bed, so I relented and let Mum have it while I made myself a spot on the floor. At first, all seemed well enough. But as the evening drew in, and I prepared for bed, Mum complained bitterly that the mattress was uncomfortable and insisted something was prodding at her back. The irony was that the bed was practically new, so nothing ought to trouble her. I rummaged around and found an extra duvet, hoping that might sort her out, but it was no goodshe still couldnt settle.
The following morning, I woke early, fixed myself a cup of tea, and got ready for work. As I was about to leave, Mum called out,
Where are you off to, then? Whos going to give me my injection?
That threw me for a loop, as no one had mentioned anything about injections. On ringing my brother, I learned that Mum was quite able to give herself her medicine, so, reassuredand already running an hour and a half lateI dashed out to catch the bus.
When I got home that evening, I found Mum stretched out, struggling to catch her breath. She was barely able to sit up. After a moment, it came out that shed eaten all sorts she wasnt meant to, and it had caught up with her.
You dont care about me, thats why Im like this. You want me dead, dont you? she said gravely.
I cant just drop everything and stay at home to look after you, I replied, exasperated.
Even now, Mums still quite able to care for herself. A few years back, my brother had sold her old flat and used the money to buy himself a three-bedroom house, bringing Mum to live with him. Thats why hes been looking after her. I cant for the life of me understand how to put up with Mums unreasonable ways. She acts up dreadfully, just like a spoiled child, but theres none of the light-heartedness of a real childs mischief. Shes impossible.
