My mother is retired and has a sizable nest egg, yet rather than assisting me with my creditcard debt, she splurges on trips to Europe and Mediterranean cruises.
When I lost my job and the balance on my credit card kept climbing, I expected to lean on my motherwho had always been my biggest pillar. The truth turned out another way. My mother, now retired with savings she painstakingly built over a lifetime, decided it was finally time to enjoy herself.
I watched her post photos on social media, smiling brightly in European cities, sipping cocktails at sunset aboard Mediterranean liners. Meanwhile, I was fighting to stretch each paycheck, juggling bills and dodging calls from the banks.
One night I gathered the courage to confront her.
Mom, I said I know you have money saved. Could you help me pay off this debt? I’m in a tough spot.
She looked at me calmly, raised her glass, and replied:
Honey, Ive worked my whole life, saved diligently, and denied myself luxuries so you would have everything you needed. Now that I can finally see the world, do you expect me to put your financial mistakes ahead of my own happiness?
A knot formed in my throat.
I love you, but I wont spend my retirement bailing you out while I stay home, she continued Youre an adult now; its time you take care of yourself.
Her words hurt, yet they also forced me to reflect. I realized that, as much as Id like her financial support, she too deserved to live her life and enjoy what she had earned.
Perhaps it was time to shoulder my own responsibilities and carve out my path, without expecting her happiness to hinge on my problems.
