I know 11 weeks is barely into the grief process. It tookat least 5 + years plus to process my daughter's death. I have the ridiculous expectation that my brothers should call and ask how I am doing. They call my mother, but not me. I know it is always harder for the person who 'stays' to be the caretaker of the remaining parent.
I know I should call, or at least write to them. After all they never called me before, but asked to talk to me when they did. I should accept that they are grieving as I am and reach out to them. I also feel that it is easier for them because they have lived 'away' for around 20 years each. I was the one who was present at his time of death, the one who, after 20 minutes of no oxygen reading told them to stop treatment. I know that is what he would want. We (both parents) had discussed these things long ago.
I really thought they would be more compassionate, but those were silly expectations, I'm only their sister. It was agreed a couple summers ago, with them and my parents, that I would be the Medical POA, and executor of their wills. My parents aren't and were never wealthy, not even close. My father was a true Pastor, who gave his life to people in church and out of church, so there is not much tangible inheritance. He did leave a legacy of love, obvious at the outpouring of love at his funeral.
Mom, never helped Dad with anything, and when visiting my brother's never lifted a finger to help with anything. Dad chose to honor his marriage vows, and treated her well. That is just one example of a complex emotionally dead family. So, it feels like I'm emotionally alone. But I'll be getting paid and that should make me feel better, right?
I apologize for the ramble...couldn't sleep, so this is what came out. I do appreciate the support here, and any input is welcome.
It has really dampened my ability to enjoy have a grandchild which has been my dream!
I don't believe they have ever understood the depth of my emotional/mental problems. I guess I'm afraid of their response. The younger brother holds a grudge which was obvious when we did talk.
I've always felt like the 'black sheep' of the family. Married 4 times, never successful at making money. "living off my parents". All that baggage makes it feel like I'm IN the baggage sinking in the ocean. I have cared for them since they came back from his last Pastorate, and they both had medical issues. But I never expected anything in return, as they had helped me SO many times with my children, and stupid choices. I knew I could never pay them back, so it was my pleasure
The Veterans Department is going to pay my mother, and she has begun paying me for taking care of her. I've never felt like I 'deserved' anything, especially money and gifts. I believe that guilt is mucking up much of these feelings. I felt guilty about my daughter's death for many years and know that was due to my self-hate issues.
It was my pleasure to care for my parents, (Dad mostly) as he was the only parent that ever showed love and interest in my life. my mom has made a complete turnaround and that is hard to understand. I know that I am keeping her from going into a assisted living facility.
To her credit, she has been as supportive as she knows how to be. If only my brothers were respectful to me.
Thanks for taking time to read my ramble..
AKJ