One day, my brother rang me and said that he and his family were heading off on holiday. As he didn’t want to leave our mum on her own, he asked if I could look after her for a bit and let her stay with me. I didn’t mind at all, seeing as my brother and his lot had been caring for Mum for quite a while. My mum has always had a difficult personality and could make a fuss over nothing without any effort.
My flat had only one bed, so I decided to give in and let Mum have it while I slept on the floor. At first, it all seemed to be going alright. But when it was time for bed, Mum complained she was uncomfortable and something was poking her in the back. The thing is, Id only just bought that bed recently and nothing should have been out of sorts. I ended up rummaging around for an extra duvet to make it softer for her. I hoped that might finally help Mum settle, but of course, it didnt. She was restless all night.
The next morning, I woke up, made myself a cup of tea and got ready for work. Just as I was about to leave, Mum asked, Where are you going? Whos going to give me my injection?
I was caught completely off guard no one had mentioned anything about injections. I rang my brother and found out Mum knows perfectly well how to give herself her jabs. Feeling a bit exasperated and already running an hour and a half late, I hurried off to work.
That evening when I got home, I found Mum lying on the bed, breathing heavily. I could barely help her sit up. Turns out, she’d eaten loads of things that she mustnt touch, which had made her feel ill.
You don’t care about me, thats why this is happening. You want me to die, dont you? Mum said, glaring at me.
I cant just quit work and look after you all day, I replied.
The truth is, Mum is still quite capable of taking care of herself. Its just that a few years ago, my brother sold Mums old place and bought himself a three-bedroom house, so he could have Mum live with his family. Thats why he looks after her the most. I honestly have no idea how to handle Mums constant moodiness and whims. She acts absolutely dreadful, like a spoilt child, but none of it brings any of the joy you get from real childrens fussing. Its just miserable. I suppose what Ive learned is that patience wears thin fastest when its family who test it.
