Eighteen months ago, my husband and I welcomed our first child into the worlda lovely baby girl. So this year, even though our daughter is still very young, my husband and I have decided to go on holiday together. When my mother popped round for a visit, I shared our plans with her.
Mum replied,
How are you going to relax with such a little one? You wont be able to have a proper holiday with her. My neighbour just got back from her holidayher children took her along as a babysitter for their little ones. Id love to go too, but I simply havent got the money for that sort of thing.
Of course, I got the hint, but I didnt say anything straight away. I thought it was best to talk it through with my husband first. The next day, I told Mum wed love for her to come with us. But I was honest:
Look, Mum, my husband will pay for your whole tripthe hotel, youll have your own room, hell even get your train tickets. Well give you a bit of spending money too. But we really need your help while were there. Ill even slip you a bit extrajust keep that part between us, dont mention it to him!
Mum happily agreed, and off we went. We all spent the first day together. After the journey, everyone was exhausted, so we had an early night. On the second evening, my husband asked my mum,
Would you mind having your granddaughter in your room tonight? Wed quite like a quiet dinner at that lovely restaurant down the road.
Mum answered, Oh, Id like to, but Im afraid I cant. I bought two day trips yesterday and Ill be off first thing in the morning!
Mum, hang on, whats going on? I protested. Youre supposed to be helping us with the little one! That was our agreement!
I just booked a couple of outings for myselfjust for two days. Ill help you with the baby after that, I promise, Mum insisted.
We agreed, slightly annoyed. Two days later, Mum announced,
I think Im coming down with something. Best if you look after the baby for now, in case I pass it on.
But Mum, you look absolutely fine! Youre not even sniffly, and youve not coughed once! I said, surprised.
Nearly a week passed. Mum kept saying she was ill and made no effort to help. Then one afternoon, I caught her tucking into an ice cream.
Mum! What do you think youre doing? What happened to your sore throat? Are you actually ill, or have you just been making excuses all this time?
Well, Id quite like some rest too! she shot back. I work hard and Im absolutely exhausted! Im not your nanny, you know!
I was deeply hurt. But Mum, we agreed wed pay for the holiday if youd help look after the baby. But youve just been enjoying yourself!
I was so insulted by Mums behaviour that I stopped speaking to her for the rest of the trip. We came home, but things havent improvedwe still arent in touch. Its been three months now, and I just cant bring myself to forgive Mum for what she did…
