I cannot put an untrained puppy on an airplane in a dog carrier for 2 hours. I cannot drive 1 1/2 days either. They do not want to come up to spend the month with us. First my mom is ok with me not being with her and now she’s making me feel guilty by sounding so sad. Help!?
Really, you don't want the opposite of sounding sad. It's a compliment. Reply with you feel the same and that you'll be thinking of them and about how grateful you are for her understanding especially at this time.
Send her and your dad eight cards from the dollar store. Write something touching in each, maybe a memory. The eighth one is for good luck wishing them another 10 years. Send one of those chocolate covered fruit bouquets. Tell them that you'll be look up at the night sky on their anniversary and will be thinking about their amazement journey over 70 years and how proud you are of them.
If your mom is actually guilting you, tell her - "Seriously mom, I need this rest". And don't give details. "Everything will be fine if I'm quiet for a little while".