Just called mother to find her in floods of tears. Beating herself up about everything. Maudlin, hysterical, guilt-ridden. Been drinking alone all evening, according to unfortunate younger sister at home with her trying to get her to go to bed. I know I sound harsh, and I absolutely adore her, but why can't people understand how destructive alcohol is. Even worse she probably wouldn't even be in this state if not for my idiot DP who was drunk recently and decided to tell my darling mother some home truths. I hate alcohol more every day.