Not the day I thought it would be. You know those ones you're psyched up about, with plans to make happen, etc. Not today.
I got a call from my mom this morning, on her cellphone, and first off, I couldn't hardly hear her. Must be the volume was messed with when we helped her get it charged up the other day. When oldest daughter and I went there on Monday, Mom was all bent over trying to get the tiny cover off the place on the side of the phone where you plug it in and you could tell it was aggravating her. The easiest chore is suddenly very difficult. And so we take it and do it quick-time. Must be maddening. I didn't check to see if it worked afterward, so maybe she'd hit the volume control on the side. I have no idea.
Anyway, was thinking I'd bake today, and finish cleaning up from Christmas. I don't know. There's something about my mom's situation that just eats at me. When I'm at home, I try to put her problems aside, so I can deal with my own issues and busyness. When she calls, it's always for something (which I understand), but it's difficult because she doesn't ask anyone else for help. I'm the go-to person. She needs $20 for something which I'll take her later, and I need to pick up her clothes to wash, pay her bills at her house, make sure the pipes are dripping because of the cold, etc. I sound like an ungrateful daughter, but really don't mean to. It all just makes me cranky. Wouldn't mind if she asked my brother who visits her regularly to do her chores for a change. She does say thank-you, but still. Do you get where I'm going with this?
I think partly it's because I've read (and experienced now with her) that there can be a disconnect with what they say and what they sound like. Her social skills are sadly lacking, and she comes across more like a child who wants things done for them. Now. The other day, oldest daughter and I walked into her room, I put away her clean clothes into the dresser and immediately she says, "Where's my make-up?" Whoops. Of course I'd forgotten it. That's the pattern. Used to, she'd hint at what she wanted done. Like, saying the light was out in a room, meaning you needed to get on a chair and change it. She'd never be direct and ask for help. Now, she's bossy-sounding, but I'm sure she doesn't mean to. She calls, gets right the the point and is off the phone. Very hard to get used to. Social graces? Not there anymore, but not to say they're gone for good. Just missing now. Strokes sure have a varied path of destruction.
