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Well, the holidays are approaching... time for all the people who have no clue what you're dealing with to guilt you about not doing enough for your loved one! I've been taking care of my 91-year-old mom to varying degrees for the past 15 years (even when not providing hands-on care, I'm solely responsible for her finances, household, medical needs, emotional support, etc.). I am dealing with some serious health issues of my own and am currently out of state (where my insurance coverage is) trying to sort things out, so I won't be with her on Thanksgiving. The reaction from my cousin, who is the family gossip like her mother before her (the mother who, it must be said, begged her daughter to let her move in with her in her declining years to no avail), was "Really? You're going to leave your mother alone on Thanksgiving?" I haven't shared all the details of my medical situation with my large extended family and don't feel I should have to in order to be entitled to their benefit of the doubt. I know I shouldn't let it bother me, my friends who know me well are extremely supportive, but as an only child my cousins are the only family I've got (my relationships with them also mean a lot to my mom) and I feel hurt and frankly enraged at the audacity of her implications. This isn't the first time either. Any suggestions for a constructive way to process or handle this?

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I would simply tell her that you will be unable to be there due to medical appointments of your own (no explanation that isn't her business it;s yours) and suggest that she either treats your mother as she treated her own, or if she feels this would be inappropriate steps into the breach for a year. If your health goes down hill you cannot provide care for your mother, so either they help or they can maintain their attitude and perhaps you could look for some respite for your mother for the holiday - not ideal as you would like, but she may enjoy some new faces.
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GB2112 Nov 2021
Thank you! I wouldn't want her to treat my mother as her own, as I don't think she did much for hers... my mom is being well taken care of (by me and others); I just need to find a way to ignore my cousin's pointed comments rather than letting resentment and bitterness build. It's not good for my mental or physical health!
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I once read a response to a post on this site and the reply had a GREAT comment about guilt trips. I do not recall the exact reply so I am going to paraphrase here.
"They can buy the ticket but you don't have to get on the train."
YOU know what you do for your mom.
YOU know your situation.
If your cousin wanted to bring your mom to her house for Thanksgiving would there have been a reason to not let her? (if it would have been dangerous for your mom or upsetting then it would have been out of the question.) If that would have been a possibility then your cousin is the one that should be "guilty" for not extending the invitation.
Best thing to do is IGNORE the busybodies. If they do not want to help out then they have no business in inserting themselves into the situation.
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GB2112 Nov 2021
Thank you! Mom isn't able to leave the house easily. My cousin did come by with her two kids and brought some goodies, which was sweet (although she'll probably be telling all of our other cousins about how she had to do it because I abandoned my mom for the holiday). But my mom had a nice day!
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They are blissfully ignorant of what you’re going through. That’s a given, because anybody ANYBODY who hasn’t gone though caregiving hasn’t a friggin’ clue.

Unfortunately, it’s our job to educate them. Now, if you don’t want to tell them all your personal business, that’s fine, but they’re not going to understand if you don’t let them in.

You say you feel hurt and enraged, but how are they to know if you don’t tell them? People can be really stupid and clueless, but I’d try cutting them some slack and enlighten them as to a “day in the life of you” so that they can see what you’re really going though.

They are, after all, family, not strangers on the street - like us! They care about you (we do too, btw), but they can support you in ways that we can’t.

Opening up doesn’t make you vulnerable. It means that you don’t want to suffer alone. And really, why should you have to?

Best of luck, and Happy Thanksgiving.
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GB2112 Nov 2021
Thank you for this thoughtful reply, Lizbitty! I do agree on one level. It's just tough because I'm the kind of person who gives everyone the benefit of the doubt, regardless of what I may or may not know about their situation. I would never put pressure on anyone, give them a hard time or make them feel bad for their choices. I guess I don't want them to support me because I give them information to judge and they make the determination that things really ARE tough for me and therefore I deserve their compassion -- I want them to support me for the reasons I would support them, i.e., because we're all human beings doing the best we can. But maybe my expectations are too high.
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First of all, big hugs from me because I also have a large family and I know that the guilt trips can be brutal. I have 12 first cousins and they can be very judgmental and quick to criticize too. Anyways, if your cousin is anywhere near where your mom lives, then maybe she could have your mom over, or have Thanksgiving at your mom's house? I always find it interesting that people who want to point the finger never stop to ask themselves why they aren't doing anything to help. I mean if your mother is her aunt, then why isn't she visiting her over the holidays as well? Don't feel an ounce of guilt for taking care of yourself. I'm sure that if your mom were 100% her old self she would want you to take care of yourself, not worry about some man-made holiday season that is basically designed to make people feel bad in one way or another. If all else fails try to look at it this way...you're not missing Thanksgiving with her, you're taking care of yourself to try to make sure that you're there for her at Christmas. I'm sure that if your mom has lived 91 years then she is a wise person and would agree. Her child's health would be the most important thing to her, but since she can't be there personally to take care of you what she would want is for you to take care of yourself. I really hope this helps and I hope the holidays are easier for you. God bless :)
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GB2112 Nov 2021
Thank you so much! My cousin did go see my mom with her two young daughters -- Mom said it was a lovely visit and they brought some yummy sweet treats :) I just struggle with the judgment in general because it so counter to the way I treat people. I hope you had a nice Thanksgiving!
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I'd say 'Yes, it does seem a pity. What would you suggest?'. Let cousin come up with the answers.

Or you could quote Jesus in the Gospel according to Mark, Chapter 2 verse 27: "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath”. There is even less justification for forcing the celebration of a secular holiday on a particular day - you and mother can have Thanksgiving whenever you want!
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GB2112 Nov 2021
Thank you! Yes, I agree! It's just another day in my mom's world. I'm heading back her way next week and will be with her for the entire Christmas holiday season...
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I don't know where I saw this recently (here?), but it made so much sense to me...

"If you wouldn't take their advice, then don't take their criticism."

Easier said than done but it put other's opinions in perspective for me.

Happy Thanksgiving.
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GB2112 Nov 2021
Oh, that's good! I'll keep that one in mind. Hope you had a lovely holiday!
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I'd tell the cousin you're having a heart transplant on Wednesday but asked the surgeon if he'd let you out of the ICU on Thursday to have Thanksgiving turkey with mom, and he said he'd see what he could do, no promises.

Like my DH always advises in situations such as this, " Say the most ridiculous thing and leave them gaping."
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Beatty Nov 2021
My DH was nagged about a shoulder injury by his sisters until he told them it was a sex injury 🤣
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The cousin may not mean to be so insensitive.. especially since she does not know about your health issues. But I do know the type that seems to question what you do & adds their advice or judgement to it.

Cousin could have instead asked "No Thanksgiving with Mom this year? Oh that's a shame. Is there a reason?"

But she didn't. More a 'Judge Judy' type than a 'caring Carol'?

You know her character & are wise to only disclose your own medical issues when & to whom you want.

I used to be freer with my info, now more things fall into telling only those in the 'need to know' category. (The judgemental, the know-it-alls, the poor-me-I'm-worse folk are NOT on my need to know list!)
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GB2112 Nov 2021
Thank you! I'm okay sharing the information -- it's more that I don't feel like I should have to, in order to be worthy of someone's compassion and benefit of the doubt. But I do know that some people can weaponize anything you give them, so some caution is wise too!
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The holidays are a major stress event for me and my family. My sister and I are estranged and the last time we talked was over 4 years ago. As the holidays approach my mother will ask " Why is your sister always mad at me" Since I can't triangulate and refuse to try to be the peace keeper my pat answer is " I'm not sure she's mad at you"..... "then why does she never call me" "Mom why don't you call her and ask her yourself" " well every time I call she's busy" " Well you know I don't talk to her" Then mom will launch into the standard paranoia fueled lecture " I know you two talk behind my back" This usually runs it's course around new years. To be honest I don't know this works because it happens every year and when me sister does call my mom they usually fight about presents or lack of presents etc. Since I am my mom's caregiver I'm stuck making Thanksgiving and Christmas every year. I try to not drink but sometimes all I want is about 6 shots of hard liquor. I would tell you cousin to mind her mouth and stay out of your business.
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GB2112 Nov 2021
Oh, that sounds so stressful. I'm sorry you have to deal with that. I sometimes wish I had siblings and then hear stories like this and realize that could make things even more difficult. My health issues now make it harder for me to drink, otherwise I'd be on the 6-shot plan! Having to learn some new coping skills. I wish you the best in getting through the holiday season with a minimum of heartache and hopefully some joy among the challenges.
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I guess I'm going to ask how serious are you about this? Do you want to put an end to their nasty behavior or put up with them? Have you told them what you are posting here? About all the work you've done, all the years, "down and dirty" details (spare nothing for their sensibilities) and how dare they criticize? No apologies, throw the whole unvarnished truth at them for their nasty, silly behavior? I found, by accident, that this "back in your face" response can work when nothing else will. You will not be a safe target for them - they will think twice before provoking you.
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GB2112 Nov 2021
Thank you for the thoughtful reply! Very good question, actually: do I want to put an end to their nasty behavior or find a way to grin and bear it? I don't think I'm sure yet :-/
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I'm getting this too, even though I haven't spent Thanksgiving with my parents in over 20 years (it's my mother-in-law's favorite holiday, so we always go there, and do Christmas with my parents). My MIL didn't get to host last year and she is itching to have us there, even if it will be small because of COVID. I told the relative who lamented the idea of my Dad being alone that they were more than welcome to bring him into their home (he can't travel with us, it's a four hour drive and he's not up to it)
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GB2112 Nov 2021
Thank you! Love the screen name... I wish more people understood that we are doing our best and then some. I hope you enjoy the holiday at your mother-in-law's!
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Gently. Just say "I have some medical issues I don't really wish to share, nor to burden others with; suffice it to say I am sad about my current limitations.
As with so many others, Mom and I will be getting through the holidays the best we can, and we/I surely wish you a blessed one".
That's it. Turn their thoughtless back on them so they are able to re-examine it and learn from it should they choose to. Holidays have never been my favorite time, both from the standpoint of my view of the rest of the world outside out country, and the suffering that exists, and from the standpoint of the onus and burden it places upon us to be of "good cheer". In my next life I shall endeavor to be more like Mr. Fezziwig. Until then I will do the best I can with who I am. I wish you the best. Remember, when people are thoughtless and/or cruel it is almost never about you; it's about them. Wish them the best and move on and the epiphany of the burden lifted from your own heart is your gift.
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GB2112 Nov 2021
Thank you for this lovely reply... you seem like a very gracious person (which I also strive to be)! Now that the initial indignation has mellowed a bit (it usually does), I hope to be able to let it go and achieve some sense of peace about it all...
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First of all, it's none of your cousin's business as to why you're not going to be with your mother on Thanksgiving. You do not owe her or anyone else a reason. Nor do you need their approval.
If your cousin or anyone else in the peanut gallery I like to refer to as extended family wants to throw their two cents in, tell them to feel free to go themselves and spend Thanksgiving with your mother.
You are important too and so is your health. Too many people seem to think if someone reaches a ripe old age like your mom, that they then are the only priority in the lives of their adult kids.
They're not. If your cousin gets too mouthy and self-righteous remind her that she didn't take her own mother in even though she begged.
That should shut her up.
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GB2112 Nov 2021
Thank you so much! Yes >> "Too many people seem to think if someone reaches a ripe old age like your mom, that they then are the only priority in the lives of their adult kids." And because I'm unmarried and have no kids -- in part BECAUSE I've arranged my life around my mom's care -- they seem to think I have no life of my own, so why shouldn't I be putting 100% of my time and energy into hers?
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Oh no, I had no intentions of her being alone on Thanksgiving, because I know how you feel and I know that you will be entertaining her this year!

Gosh Cuz, it is so nice of you to take your Aunt since my health needs to come first right now.

Love and kisses!

That's how I would deal with her if I were in your position.
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GB2112 Nov 2021
I like it! And more effective than my actual response, which has just been to pace around my apartment fuming :D
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I would just say that I can't--and crucially--do ask her for help.

If she--or you actually--don't want her to help then that is on you and them.
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GB2112 Nov 2021
Thank you! In actuality my mom hates socializing anyway and would rather spend the day alone (if not with me). Other cousins will be dropping off food. It's less about the day and more about the opportunity for my cousin to get her digs in :-/
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You tell your cousin that if she is so concerned about your mother being alone for Thanksgiving that perhaps she rearrange her holiday plans so she can be with your mother, and see what she says then.
You're right, that you need to just ignore your extended families ignorant comments, as until they have walked a mile in your shoes, they have NO right to comment.
Your health must be your number one priority, even before caring for your mother, so I hope that you will do whatever you must to keep yourself healthy and happy.
And please enjoy your Thanksgiving and don't let the nay sayers get you down.
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GB2112 Nov 2021
Thank you so much! I will likely not fire back because then I'll be the bad guy. And I'm the last person to ever put pressure on anyone, give them a hard time or make them feel bad for their choices (and there's a lot I could say about hers), so it stings extra much. I know I need to learn to let it go though.
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