My 78 yr old Mother is having memeory and some phycial problems. She gets very grouchy with me and seems to pick on anything I say or do. I try not to let it brother me, but sometimes I just get tired of it and say something unkind back to her. I feel so guilty. She will not get out and get involved in anything. (she moved here 3 yrs ago after my Dad died).
OMG.....she was so right! It's been 4 years since she told me that. My mother is like my best friend now. NEVER says an unkind word to me. Almost everyday tells me she does not know what she would do without me and tells me I am worth more than gold to her. Also, my sister has stepped up to help more. Have seen good changes come since my attitude has changed for the better. Can't do it without God either. One day we will all be where our parents are....and we need to stop and think what it would be like in their shoes. What goes around comes around, and I would like to think because I took such good care of my Mother without complaint, that my Heavenly Father will take good care of me when I am old and unable to take care of myself.
This is what is great about this site. We don't have to agree. Taking care of your parents does not mean the same thing for everyone. Some do it long distance. Some do it at home. Some just do it financially. If all parent child relationships were positive and wonderful, it would be a far better world. But the sad fact is that they are not. Everyone's interpretation of the bible is different and our situations are not the same. Yes, I have my mom, but if she had been like my mother in law, my duty would have been to my child and I would never have had that woman in my house.
We must all find that which works for us. If we are held to the standards of others, we are surly destined for a very bumpy ride. Honor thy mother and father does not mean destroy the lives of the other family members and my MIL did that daily. She went to an AL when my sister in law could not take it anymore. To this day, her daughter has been affected by her presence.
I pray for the people who don't have great parents, but who also take care of them out of love or a sense of duty. Me, I love mom, but I don't do it out of duty. To me that is sad. I do it because I want to. That is the greater good.
Linda
Sorry but I disagree. It is our duty to take care of our parents. I believe in the bible and it states in there:
1Ti 5:8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially
for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith,
and is worse than an infidel.
When it is time to have mom move to a home, I will feel no guilt. I am sure my brother won't either since he feels none now. Got to try to sleep. DSL has given us an extra hour but I can't sleep. Guess I worry more than I like to let on. Night
I have a sister, but she is a sick alcoholic. She is mean to our Mother, so I dont encourage her to help me with Mom. My daughter has 2 kids under 5 and a hubby and a full time job. It falls mostly to me. I have a full time job too, but she is my Mother and I feel she is my responsibility.