Talk to me about favours please.

[Pinkkahori]

I grew up in a family where my parents did everything. They didn't really have much family support and just worked things out as best they could. Mum was a SAHM and they basically had no social life til the oldest were old enough to babysit the younger ones.
I think because of that I'm always unsure about asking for help.
I'm in a situation now where a close family member offered to help me out with babysitting while I go to an important meeting. They volunteered. I didn't ask or hint for help.
I double checked, they were still ok so I thought I was set.
Now they have backed out and i am left scrambling at short notice.
I don't know how to react. Should I have pushed a little?
The reason given was that they 'might have to go somewhere the next day'. It would absolutely be possible to do both but i got a definite can't be arsed vibe.
I can make other arrangements with some difficulty but i am really annoyed and not sure if I am being unreasonable.
If you offer to do someone a favour shouldn't they be able to rely on you? I wouldn't offer unless I could follow through.
This has happened a few times and makes me think forget about favours no matter how kind the offer seems.

Until 3 years ago I relied on one person... Me

If I didn't do it, buy it, fix it, arrange it.. whatever the fuck it.... "It", didn't happen.

Personally I'd have told the person initially volunteering... If you say yes, you have to do it, cos if I say I'm covered nnyou let me down, you'll fuck things up big time... You will pay for it, and for a babysitter to replace you. I have to attend this, so komletti g me down. If you can't keep to that, don't volunteer. Simples.

My memory is rubbish... Medication, and health, reasons. So if I have appointments etc, I log them.on my phone calender, with several reminders.

So I agree, if she said yes to begin with and backing out now, at too short notice, I'd scream blue murder at them, shout n swear a great deal at them, then tell them to go fuck themselves, and make.my own arrangements.....

Is there a reason you can't dump on your parents/brother/sister?

The person letting me down is my sister
My DH works away a lot and usually I'm a machine. I handle everything but I've had the flu and i'm beyond exhausted.