Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

For expecting us to call pull together in this crisis?

278 replies

NappyBag · 21/06/2024 17:11

My mum recently found out that she needs major surgery where she will need live-in support for a number of weeks during recovery. She lives alone and isn't in a relationship- basically her only support network is her 5 children.

I live 1.5 hours drive from my mum, but do not have a drivers license due to a chronic illness. I have stepped up and said that I can support mum by letting her move in with me during the weeks she is recovering from surgery, but I would need one of my siblings to drive her to me and collect her at the end of the 3 weeks.

However, they are all making excuses and saying they are busy and don't have time to give her a lift. I understand a 3 hour round trip is a really long drive, but she is our mother. I have offered to cook them a meal and even to stay overnight if this helps, but they have said it's not going to work for them. Most of the excuses are more around how it would be inconvenient for them, rather than genuinely not being able to help. I would give examples but feel this would be outing.

My partner drives, but already has a 2 hour minimum commute every day so adding a 3 hour round trip to this feels like a huge ask. He also has a strict 50:50 custody schedule with his ex where he needs to pick up the kids up as soon as he finishes work on his nights so even if he was willing, this wouldn't be feasible. Not to mention, my mum has 5 children and I don't see why it should be all on me to ensure our mother is cared for, let alone my partner.

Despite the doctor referring to it as major surgery and saying my mum will need live in care for several weeks, one of my siblings has said 'it's not that bad and that surely she can just live unassisted'. They also said that that my mum is acting really entitled to expect her kids to give her lifts and look after her when it's her own decision to live alone. Whilst I understand that we all have our own lives and responsibilities, I do think she's our mother who raised us all and sacrificed a lot for us. I am willing to do the lion's share of caring for her, but it doesn't change the fact that I can't drive. I need their help and feel really stressed and frustrated at the lack of empathy and that they won't do their bit.

AIBU for thinking we should all be pulling together and splitting the burden according to what each of us are able to do? Or is it too much for a mum to expect her kids to be there for her in her hour of need? I am autistic and don't always understand the nuances of these situations.

OP posts:
MsLuxLisbon · 21/06/2024 17:15

While YANBU, is it possible that they have a different relationship with her than you do? It is very possible (nay, probable) that they are just being selfish, but I suppose it is just possible that you like her better than they do and that there is a reason for that. Other than that, though, I got nuthin'. The only reason I suggested that was that if it were merely pure selfishness, I would expect them to be putting even more pressure on you and your partner, rather than just saying your mum will have to sink or swim.

Arlanymor · 21/06/2024 17:15

You are not being unreasonable at all, in fact you are doing your absolute best for your mum and that is to be commended. It’s very disappointing of your siblings - do they have form for this? If they can’t take time out of their busy schedules can they at least club together to get her a decent cab service to bring her to you?

My mum is likely to have surgery in September, I am taking the week off work and moving in with my parents for that week to help with the caring. My dad is verging on 79 so in the most robust of health himself. Plus if left alone with him for a week she would probably have to subsist on cheese and pickled onion sandwiches, which isn’t exactly the best aid to recovery!

WhatNoRaisins · 21/06/2024 17:13

It's hard to say OP. We don't know what pressures they have in their own lives so it's hard to make a judgement. I think in this situation you have to do what you can and accept what others are willing to do.