Just sacked gardener, feel awful

[sunnyrosegarden]

I'm so rubbish at any type of confrontation. Basically, we inherited a gardener when we bought the house. Never had one before and we were a bit uncertain, but he was a nice guy.

Started ok, but gradually he slipped, didn't come when he said he would, did pretty much what he wanted, rather than what we asked. Cut stuff that I'd asked him to leave.

He hasnt been round now for weeks and weeks (july, I think) and not a word. Dh and I had just had enough - decided to manage ourselves and invest in a decent lawnmover instead.

So, I sent a polite text...

Got a rant back. He's lost a family member to cancer. He's furious and hurt at me. How dare I etc etc.

I'm feeling really crap today anyway (chest infection) and now I feel really guilty. What do I do? Leave it? AIBU???

Happy, she doesn't owe him an explanation (and certainly not an apology) after his conduct.

'Have a word with yourself, would you?'

Oh do get over yourself,dear'

It's like being told off by David Cameron.

You didn't sack him as you weren't his employer. You were a customer for his gardening business, he failed to show up (or do much work when he did show up) so you are taking your business elsewhere. It was fine to tell him by text considering that he hasn't bothered to notify you of when he will or won't be doing any gardening.
I doubt that the story about a relative dying from cancer is true but even if it is, it doesn't explain why he hasn't been in contact for two months.