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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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To think my sister is a bitch

140 replies

MrsOs · 22/10/2016 12:31

I'll try and keep it brief. There is me, older sister who lives up north and middle sister.

When my dad died 6 years ago my mum was distraught my middle sister who lived around the corner from mum who is a snotty nose bitch who thinks she is above everyone fell out with us all (mum older sister and me) she took against where mum wanted to cremate dad she thought it was a rough area, refused mum access to her grandchildren and accused me of taking over everything! She even told mum in a letter that dad thought she was horrible! In the end middle sister was removed from being executor of mums will and mum said she didn't want her interfering with anything to do with her if she got sick/ died. There was no contact for 5 years.

I was there to pick mum up and have been there every weekend for 6 yrs to take her shopping and look out for her. Older sister lives far away up north. Mum has been ill since June and has just been diagnosed with motor neurone disease she is dying and it is progressing at an incredible rate. She has been in hospital for a month and now she can't talk, walk, swallowing has gone and bladder isn't working. Everyone said middle sister should be told when she was told said she wasn't interested. But since then has been to see mum a few times in hospital. I think it's fairly tense.

Older sister said don't worry she won't interfere with anything but mum and her need to end things on good terms which I agree with. Older sister btw is a passive aggressive bitch too and we can get along but we argue when she says nasty things and I get upset about it! She can never see she does anything wrong. Turns everything around to be my fault.

So yesterday mum was meant to go to a care home but transport didn't turn up. I went to the care home and older sister was there. She said check the paper work.i did and found she has put middle sister after her as who to contact in an emergency.

I couldn't bloody believe it! Mum wouldn't want that. So if mum was dying and they couldn't raise older sister they will phone the middle sister! Who hasn't given a fig about mum. When I asked why she said I was being paranoid and that she is the next of kin and if I was so worried I should tell them that I should know first because that will make me feel good! So now we aren't talking and I feel so hurt by what's she done. Do I tell mum what's she done and get the paperwork changed?

The older sister all along has been very clear that middle sister should be kept at a distance so I can't understand why she has done this! It really hurts!

OP posts:
allowlsthinkalot · 23/10/2016 20:18

As someone who doesn't get on with parents I most certainly wouldn't want to be making decisions about them at the end of their lives and would defer to my younger sister who they are close to.

YANBU, OP. Not at all.

Sugarpiehoneyeye · 23/10/2016 20:23

Here love, hold my hand, I hear you.
Sometimes all we can do, is try to accept, that there are just some things in life, that we can't change.
I'm so sorry that you are going through this.
Rest assured, that your DM, knows that you've always been there, to love and support her. Just keep on doing, what you've always done.
We can't change other people, but we can change how we respond to them.
It's an extremely wearing and emotional rollercoaster, that you're on, your Sisters are on it too. Try to understand that we all deal with situations like this, very differently. My sibling never attended, was snappy, did nothing, later on I found out that she just couldn't cope.
Have a massive hug MrsOs, someone will always be here, to support you.

Notmuchtosay1 · 23/10/2016 20:29

We had massive fallings out with my OH and his 2 sisters when his parents were sick. (Both passed away now) both sisters live in Australia (we are in uk) they both complained to hospital that they wanted contacting in an emergency before their younger brother. Why? They were furious he was down as Next of kin. We were the ones who had run about after them both for years. (And happily too) they critised everything we did for them, including accusing we'd poisoned father in law.
I found it very sad that they couldn't all get on. Being an only child I had always wanted siblings. But all the fighting made me glad I am an only child.
Then when we lost father in law (he was second to die) the fighting over the Wills was even worse. My OH will never speak to his sisters again. I hope OP and her family don't go the same way.

Strongmummy · 23/10/2016 20:32

I am so sorry you're going through such an awful time. There's no reason to love or even like your siblings. You didn't choose to be related to them. Just focus on being with your mum.

bedouincheek · 23/10/2016 20:33

Sorry you are going through this OP.

Do ask if you can be put as second on list and explain your mothers wishes. Perhaps this is something that can be easily rectified.

I understand your oldest sister may simply be thinking about the proximity in an emergency. Communication at times like this can be a very difficult thing, due to individual emotions and needs when a parent is so ill. When relationships are already strait, this of course magnifies.

Other posters on here who are barrelling in with the super negativity, please take a moment to consider the emotional situation OP is in. Her mother is in a very serious condition and OP is asking for advice on a specific set of circumstances. Yes she has given her side of things, and has given a pretty good back story to help us gauge the situation. Of course it is her side of the story. At least use considerate language if you feel you need to give a different perspective based on the information she has provided.

I wish you and your family strength at this time.

Serialweightwatcher · 23/10/2016 20:37

I agree with you OP - she's had no contact for years and sound awful so I would be extremely annoyed tbh and I would get it changed - I personally wouldn't have had her on the form at all but I'm not very forgiving - I think sometimes, family or not, people don't deserve certain 'rights' and have lost them through their own acts - may not be a popular choice but they're not fair, so why should you do things fairly

LittlePaintBox · 23/10/2016 20:45

My dad died of MND, my sympathies to you and your family.

Unfortunately illness and death bring out the worst in some family members, everyone is upset and sometimes behaving irrationally. You just have to grit your teeth and get through it for your mum's sake.

ISTM your main objection to the listing of your sister as NOK is that she isn't a practical person to involve in that way. I agree with Shodan, just have a word with staff at the home and make sure that you will be contacted directly, if possible, if they can't get hold of your older sister.

I hope you have someone supporting you through this as it doesn't sound as if your family is going to be much of a help!

YeOldMa · 23/10/2016 20:48

Flowers So sorry you are going through this. May I suggest you ask your DM what she would like if she has the mental capacity to decide. If she doesn't want any changes made, just accept it with good grace. If she does, just get the home to change it. It is your Mum's wishes here that are important and you don't have to word it as an argument. Just say you have noticed this and just want to make sure it is what she wants.

You will have plenty of time to resent your sisters later. Just make sure you don't ruin your last moments with your Mum by fighting with them...you'll never get that time back. I spent the last 18 months of my Grandfather's life looking after him in my home whilst he slowly died physically and mentally whilst his daughters circled round making sure he didn't leave his fortune to me. I ignored it at the time, even made sure he didn't change his will so I didn't have to put up with their resentment for the rest of their lives but I've noted what they were like. When it is their turn for care, Karma is going to be a bitch!

Chesntoots · 23/10/2016 20:53

My deepest sympathy to you.

My mum had MND.

Please look after yourself.

mumsof4boys772 · 23/10/2016 20:56

Do not put anything on your mum, her last,weeks,months,years, should be good, wish I had known my mum was dying, I would have cherished every moment, but unfortunately she dies last year xxx

GrinchyMcGrincherson · 23/10/2016 20:56

Sod them right now. They don't matter. The other stuff doesn't matter. The care home will see you are the one who is there. Just ask them directly to call you first and I'm sure they will.

Then just focus on your mum. Spend as much time with her as you can. Get her as much help as you can find. Get yourself some support as well. Please contact the charity a PP linked.

It's a shitty thing to go through made worse with family squabbles. Look after your mum and yourself. Flowers

jazzypants101 · 23/10/2016 20:59

Only read page 1 sorry if this has moved on, but put your own name down as the emergency contact. You know your mothers wishes and she has expressed them to you so follow them, don't bother arguing with your sisters.

Just do it yourself, as the doctors to take off the name and add yours. Its easily done. we had to do it for my nan recently when her son who hadnt been in touch for 10 years suddenly decided to turn up at the hospital and express his concern which she wouldnt have wanted and neither did we. Doctor was fine about it.

angstybaby · 23/10/2016 21:17

could it just be a mistake?

CasanovaFrankenstein · 23/10/2016 21:17

So sorry to read about your problems, agree just put yourself as the contact & don't bother your mum.

Ignore the unnecessarily abrasive and negative comments on here. Hmm but people can be unnecessarily rude sometimes.

HarryPottersMagicWand · 23/10/2016 21:23

Is it too late to be made POA? Can you speak to the care home and explain and say that you need to be told anything personally by them as you cannot trust your sisters to do so? That's what I would do.

Sorry you are going through this OP. Again, this thread is yet another example of how shitty MN can be. I swear twats hang around on AIBU purely so they can kick people while they are down. Shame on them. You know your sisters better than anyone and you know the history so you are more than qualified to call them whatever the hell you want. I don't get on with one of my sisters, she is a selfish cow and I'd rather just not bother, but according to MN I have to happily welcome her to my home each Christmas. However, as I know her, and I'm perfectly entitled to my feelings, I just ignored that advice.

Is your sister allowed to be selling stuff off at this point? I'd be worried it's a sign of more difficult struggles ahead tbh if she is thinking this way already. Your mum is still here. Flowers

MrsOs · 23/10/2016 22:01

Well today I went to the care home again and no one else had been and mum was really distressed so as much as I dislike older sister right now I called her and asked if she will come if I drive to get her. Mum needed her and for the 4 hours we were there we got on in front of mum and found out what was bothering mum so much and left her a bit more comfortable. It was frosty on the way home but it was for mum and we both agreed she is the priority.

OP posts:
Stanleysmum01 · 23/10/2016 22:04

Sugarpie that was lovely and made me cry.

OP please try and stay calm and try and let it go for now, when someone is dying relatives can act very strange and for many its a bizarre coping mechanism. My cousin died of MND and his brother could only manage the briefest of visits and non in the last stages he couldn't cope some people can't and their reactions can be hard to witness, others try and occupy themselves your older sister is doing this with the house clearing. My BIL did the same when my MIL was dying the house was quickly emptied. Focus purely on yourself and your mother that is the only important rule in all of this, try not to go to bed angry instead concentrate on some happy memories you have had and can still have with your mum.

We are all thinking of you Flowers

Stanleysmum01 · 23/10/2016 22:09

OP I'm glad and I hope you're feeling better now, try and get a good nights sleep Brew

ohfourfoxache · 23/10/2016 22:29

Mrs you're being the bigger person, and your darling mum is so lucky to have you looking after her. You have so, so done the right thing xx

Slight hijack - Lemon I'm thinking of you love xx

ohtheholidays · 23/10/2016 22:51

MRS Os you've done something amazing for your Mum today and she will know just how big a deal it is and she'll see just how much she means to you and just how much you love her.

I'm sorry your going through this,it's so bloody hard and it's heart breaking,I know how going through this with my Mum affected me.

I hope your sister starts thinking about how her behaviour not only affects your Mum but you also and starts turning it around for the better.

Thinking of you MRS Flowers

Pandamanda3 · 23/10/2016 22:55

Evening op, im so sorry your going through this aweful time. Iv been there with my Nanna in Icu for near two months before she passed & all I could offer from my experience is that everybody deals with there grief in there own way and although others may look in dispair it is unfortunately just how the world differs. Try I know it's hard to stay focused on your mum and of course yourself. You have your little one who needs you just like you need your mum.
I wouldn't say anything tbh if you feel upset concerned then maybe speak to the home I bet they are more aware of this type of thing than you think. They will understand in there line of work all these things are a side effect of family's in grief. I don't mean 'call them I just mean explain you feel strongly you'de like to be informed say you live locally and im sure they will help.
As for your sister clearing out the house I can tell you I watched things that my family members did with my nan's and I would never had thought that of them until I saw it for myself.
Although well intentioned and again it may be how she's coping. Try to explain maybe you'de like to do all that after the dreadful time comes, and use the time to be with your mum. If that doesn't work then leave them to it. All of them and concentrate on you and your time with her.

Trust me I know while heartedly my Nanna knew what was going on shed nod shack her head as she cudnt speak shed grip my hand when family members spouted there opinion. But for me when they were all busy killing one another I just thought how lucky I am as I get more time with her to talk to her and tell her how wonderful she was to comfort and love her.

When that time comes she will know exactly who's done what mums arnt soft they sense things and she will know your love and care far outweighs any of that bitterness they showed to each other. And she'll be so grateful to you for it. This time is precious so if they don't see it's put to better use then you take the time for you and your mum and leave them to it.

Your mums lucky to have somebody as kind caring & strong as you, so head up shoulders back and you go be with her, as much as you can I am thinking of you it is awful to see and experience but being by her side will give you & her that everlasting peace 'your doing great op, be proud of yourself', your mums lucky to have you 💐🌸

stopfuckingshoutingatme · 23/10/2016 22:59

This thread I suspect will be both painful and useful for you OP

because you (understandably) need to have a rant - but this is aibu and people will call you on what sounds like unreasonable Behaviour

I had a nuclear row with my family after my dad died - and I feel for you as clearly you never healed that rift and now it's all coming out again

Look - all I can say is think of your mum - despite recent events you are all her babies - wouldn't it be better if during her final days you
Could all manage to be in a room together ?

Of course it hurts - Flowers

Mikasmum · 23/10/2016 23:02

Everyone have ambushed a sensitive soul who probably never knew how to express herself. Everyone is preaching her. Using "The ill mother card". Perhaps she's had enough of the games. Had enough of never knowing how to express herself in hyper sensitive household. Most likely she has never been taken to the side by her mother -- When she was upset as the youngest. One of those chats "I know how ur older or second sister is like... but this was the situation, and this is what it actually appears as in my eyes. And from now as a mother I will teach u both to see things more objectively and if I can't for the life of me I will do everything in my power to keep u out of each others ways. Here is a young woman who has catapulted from childhood to womanhood... It appears in the absence of any real adults!!! Anyone ever thought of her sense of isolation, her fears.. two older sisters playing snakes and ladders (psychologically). No mention of dad, or aunt or anyone. No grandparents living? U should all be ashamed of yourselves... filling ur empty void in this way.

Tapandgo · 23/10/2016 23:04

Just do all you can to be good to your mum towards the end of her life. It's the only way to be at peace with yourself.
Your sisters will have to live with the decisions they make.

stopfuckingshoutingatme · 23/10/2016 23:05

Other posters on here who are barrelling in with the super negativity, please take a moment to consider the emotional situation OP is in. Her mother is in a very serious condition

Hear hear - I would never have dared post after my dad died - such fraught times