I can sense that this situation is going to spark all sorts of uproar among my followers. Yes, Im terribly ashamed of my own thoughts. Still, I simply cant help myself. The moment I picture whats in store for our family in the near future, I feel tears welling up. I think Im slipping into depression. Weve been married over twelve years now, both working, and we have two children.
My mother-in-law has been seriously unwell for years. She suffers from arthritis and diabetes. Being overweight, its a struggle for her to even move around her flat. She lives by herself, so she faces all sorts of difficulties just coping with daily life. Its hard for her to look after herself, make meals, or keep the place clean. Every week, my husband and I drop by with the shopping; I tidy up, cook her food for the week, and help her with washing. These weekly visits have become part of our routine. Of course, sometimes work gets in the way, and we miss a week, but thats rare.
I do truly love my mother-in-law. She raised her son on her own, worked hard for him, and gave up any hope of happiness for herselfshe lost her husband at 45 and never remarried. Shes also helped our family financially. Thanks to her, we managed to pay off our mortgage. Theres no way I could refuse to care for her or abandon her in her time of need. Yet just recently, my husband told me that after the New Years holidays, his mother would be moving in with us. That way, we wouldnt have to keep running over there, and caring for her would be so much easier. He said it would be less stressful.
I can see where hes coming from, but I can also imagine just how much our family life is about to change. We have a three-bedroom flat. My husband and I share one room, and the children each have their own. If my mother-in-law moves in, shell need a room of her own. That means the children will have to shareand I can already hear the quarrels brewing, as they both need their own space. Im ashamed to admit it, but Im beginning to see my mother-in-law as a burden. What would you do if you were in my shoes? Let me know your thoughts.
