Since Mom's been out of the hospital, she orders me around.

Today, she was "hungry". Well, I tried making her one of those hamburgers that are frozen, and it didn't come out like she liked it.

I went on the back porch and cried. I can't do a damn thing right!

Got back in, she'd fixed another one for herself.

She can do for herself!

Today, won't take much to send me to the nut ward.

quote:

I feel better today, as I got out today. Feel like a new person.

A trip to the water'll do that for ya, Bren. I find that being near the Gulf (or even a river in a pinch) renergizes and calms me in a way nothing else can! So glad you got a "dose" of Ma Nature's best med!!

Mom's buddy, your so right about the trick is knowing when they can do for themselves.

I feel better today, as I got out today. Feel like a new person.

Big hugs. I know how discouraging it can be. My Mom was insane about her meals. "Not this plate, that plate." "Too much mayo." "Not enough mayo." "I don't like mustard." "This toast is hard to chew." "You're five minutes late with lunch. I thought you forgot." "I don't like pasta." "I don't like potatoes." "I don't like beef." "I don't like..."

Always managed to make me feel like a failure at meals, when I normally pride myself on being a pretty good cook.

You know what it is. Control. Lack of ability to realize they're hurting someone. Feeling generally cranky because they hurt or feel incapacitated or want to be pampered... Bottom line, it's not your fault or her fault, as you know.

Tears can be good. Let 'em go and clear out the system. Then go back in and make yourself your very favorite dish in the world and pamper yourself. If she wants some, too, fine. If not, there's always egg salad. ;-)

Bren, I can understand your frustration. One day, they're helpless as a newborn kitten; the next, they are able and willing to allow you to just *do* for them.

Ya gotta roll with the punches. Since you know she's able, when she says, "I'm hungry," instead of getting up from the 'puter, tell her "There's some frozen ground meat patties in the freezer. You can make yourself a burger."

Now maybe that seems heartless, but the more you are willing to do, the more she will let you do. That ain't good for either one of y'all!! YOU gotta stay one step ahead of her... when she CAN, pull the assets back and get outta her way. When she can't, then you can assist or do if necessary. The trick is knowing when...