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Was I too snappy in this text?

12 replies

LukeSkywalkerBoots · 03/11/2018 08:25

Background in a wee nutshell: I’m NC with my mother and by extension the rest of the family (had upsetting text exchange with an aunt which I posted about here:

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/_chat/3344230-Just-had-a-shitty-text-exchange-with-my-aunt-Hand-hold-needed

The only person I still talk very occasionally to is my other aunt who told me a few weeks ago that sadly my grandma is dying. Sad Ever since dgm was taken in to hospital I’ve been talking about going to see her. My aunt keeps saying I shouldn’t for various reasons- grandma isn’t in a good way, it’s distressing to see, nobody going apart from the aunts and my mum, etc etc etc. I know I wasn’t welcome to visit grandma in her care home so I suspected I was being kept away from the hospital. In the end it became clear that either I simply state I’m going to see her or I’d keep being encouraged not to go. So I straight up said to her I was going to go and see dgm before she passes away (thanks to the encouragement by lovely people on here). So I went yesterday.

Then afterwards this text convo happened:

Her: I'm not going to tell my sisters you went to visit Grandma in hospital, let's just keep it between us x

(And then again 10 mins later)

Her: I should have clarified that by saying I thought (other aunt) was unfair to you last time you talked and I don't want anyone to upset you further for any reason xx

Me: Everyone is blocked on my phone now to avoid any further hoohaa. I imagine they wanted me not visiting grandma while she's dying. I appreciate you saying that and for keeping me updated with what's going on. Xx

Her: Nobody had said you couldn't go and there is no reason why you can't see her in the home, I just wanted to avoid any problems arising. Hopefully nobody will mention it at the hospital as we are going shortly to wait with Grandma until she leaves. If it's mentioned I'll act as if I know nothing!! Will update you later x

Me: (at which point I was tired of being made to feel like a devil person who should be kept secret and knowing she’d been making excuses to keep me away from the hospital) Well I've got every right to visit my dying grandma so it doesn't matter what they think if they hear. I'm not a shameful secret. X

Her: Didn't get your message as I was at the home. Nobody has said you don't have a right to see Grandma and that was not what I meant. You are free to see her whenever you want x

So it’s my last message to her I’m worried about, was I unfair? I’m very angry that I could have missed out seeing my grandma for the last time through being kept away ‘to avoid problems’ but I also know she has secretively kept me in the loop via text. She says ‘you are free to visit grandma whenever you want’ but she was making excuses for why I shouldn’t go to the hospital and previously told me my mum and other aunt didn’t want me allowed at the care home.

God, this situation is so hard. Thank you if you read all that.

OP posts:
Sunnysidegold · 03/11/2018 08:32

I think you and your aunt are in awkward position here and she has been trying to do her best by you and keeping herself right with the rest of the family. I don't think your message was snappy, and I think it's clear you were referring to the rest of the family not your aunt. Text is so difficult to get across a tone isn't it? Rereading it you'll just read stuff into it that you've no way of knowing is how someone else feels.

I'm sorry you're going through this difficult time. I hope you get to spend some time with your grandma and that the other family drama is kept to a minimum for you.

Tavimama · 03/11/2018 08:49

Why not give her a call? Thank her for her support and for keeping you up to date with your grandma’s condition. So much more personal and warmer than a text. It will make her feel appreciated too. Flowers for your situation

Knitwit101 · 03/11/2018 08:54

Sounds like a tricky situation for you and your aunt. I guess she feels quite stuck in the middle, at a time when her mum is dying. That can't be easy.

I would text back saying "Thanks for keeping me up to date, I appreciate it. I know it's awkward for everyone."

Then just keep everything to a minimum from there on. It's horrible for you, but it's her mum. Maybe afterwards (sorry that sounds so callous) ask her for a coffee or something if you want to keep a relationship going.

pumpkinpie01 · 03/11/2018 08:56

I don’t think it was snappy at all and by her response I don’t think she thought it was either. Don’t let a fallout stop you visiting your grandma. I fell out with my mum and refused to get in the car with her when she went to visit my grandma, she died a few hours later, I was so angry with myself.

Etino · 03/11/2018 09:00

You weren’t snappy and I’m so pleased you saw your grandmother.
Flowers

LukeSkywalkerBoots · 03/11/2018 09:02

@pumpkinpie01 Flowers Sad

OP posts:
CantSleepClownsWillEatMe · 03/11/2018 09:03

It was maybe slightly sharp because to be fair she's not trying to say you don't have a right to see GM, she's understandably walking a bit of a tightrope between keeping you in the loop and avoiding high drama at what is already a difficult time all round.

I think an actual conversation would be better anyway but whether by phone call or text I'd apologize for coming across a bit snappy and tell her I really appreciate her letting me know what's happening. It can't be easy for her, her mum is dying but she's still trying to be considerate of you and her sisters. Another person might say to hell with the lot of you and leave you all to it so I think she deserves some acknowledgement of the effort she's making.

ElspethFlashman · 03/11/2018 09:07

I don't think it was too bad, considering she kept reiterating she would keep it a secret.

However I would definitely let it go now, if her Mum is dying she is likely feeling very vulnerable right now and it wouldn't be considerate of you to keep referring to it. You got to see her, that should be the end of it.

LukeSkywalkerBoots · 03/11/2018 09:29

I just sent her a text saying I really appreciate all her help in this awkward situation during this very hard time, and that I hope she’s as alright as is possible.

OP posts:
troodiedoo · 03/11/2018 09:33

I don't think you were snappy. However this is not a discussion to be conducted via text. Face to face or phone call at the least.

LukeSkywalkerBoots · 03/11/2018 09:44

We aren’t close. Never ever see each other, never have done. Never speak on the phone either.

OP posts:
troodiedoo · 03/11/2018 10:47

Fair dos then.

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