How would you feel?
By firecracker
@sacmom (14192)
United States
February 15, 2013 11:30pm CST
My mom's been acting rather distant from me for the past year or so. Whenever I call her, the first thing she says to me in a rather rude voice is "what do you want?" I tell her things like "I want to talk to you, you are my mother. I want to make sure you're alright." She continues to say things like she's fine, but she's busy (usually watching TV, or so she says). So I say okay, tell her I love her (she doesn't say it back) and we hang up.
Back in November I got a call from one of my uncle's (through marriage), which is weird as he never calls me. My aunt (his wife and my mother's oldest sister) is the one that usually calls. I found out through him that my mom is having health issues (I won't go into all the details, it's just way too long). He, along with some of the rest of the family expressed their concern for my mother. So much so, that this particular aunt and uncle wanted me to check on her. So I did...
When I got there my step father welcomed me in and left me alone to be with my mother. My mother, who was sitting on their couch was acting all slow (which is unlike her) and couldn't seem to remember things. My first thought was Alzheimer's. My stepfather comes storming in at some point and starts yelling at me about how I did this to her with all the money I took lately which was causing her stress and all sorts of health issues. (Funny, I haven't asked her for any monetary help in years, so this came as a huge shock to me.)
I normally try to be respectful of my elders. However, I don't take being yelled at very well, so I yelled right back telling him I didn't know what the _______ he was talking about. We did this for several minutes and then he eventually stormed off...
After he did, I cried. I didn't know what was going on, but between the excitement of getting a new job (the one that didn't work out), hearing that my mom was having health issues, and getting yelled at, my mind was a big jumble. So I just let it out.
My poor mom, I didn't want her to see me like this. I apologized and we talked some. But still, I couldn't really get anything out of her. As she had a bill in front of her that she was trying to figure out I offered to pay it. My stepfather wasn't too keen on the idea at first...his pride wouldn't accept it. But I eventually persuaded him to let me pay it.
At that point he had calmed down enough and we were able to talk. We had a good talk too...or so I thought. I found out about my mother's health issues, as well as about the money she's been taking out of her account (again, I told my stepfather I knew nothing about it). My mom acted like she couldn't remember taking out any of the money, but the bank statement was right there, laid out on the dining room table. I also found out both of them have trouble remembering things. From what my step father told me it's from the prescriptions they are on.
I eventually left, but went back about a week later to check on things. Everything seemed to be okay. My mom thanked me for everything and even said she loved me before I drove away. But when I called in, it started up again. She'd say, "what do you want?" all over again. It happened every...single...time.
So finally, I went to their place after work yesterday (Valentine's Day). As I couldn't seem to get anywhere on the phone with her I figured I'd drop by instead. Boy, was that a mistake! When they opened the door, my mom again asked me in that rude voice "what do you want?", and my stepfather starts yelling at me all over again about money issues and saying it was elder abuse?!? And that they were going to take action against me!?! Whether it's the drugs talking or not, I didn't like all the drama unfolding around me, so I left. BTW apparently they got a brand new car which I saw for the first time yesterday. Before they opened their door I was going to congratulate them on it, but now it just makes me wonder how they could afford it if I'm "stealing" all their money. (Speaking of stealing, my stepfather's one to talk. He owes his kids years worth of back payments for child support he never bothered to pay...)
I hate to say it, but I don't see myself going back there. I also don't see any point calling my mom anymore.
It's such a sad situation, but I don't know what else to do. Needless to say, it makes me feel like crap.
By the way, please don't criticize me. I'm not looking for that. Nor am I looking for advice. I would however like to know how you'd feel if this happened to you. Additionally I almost didn't start this discussion at all, but I just had to get this off my chest. If you made it this far I want to say thank you so much for listening! I certainly appreciate it!
9 people like this
19 responses
@jenny1015 (13366)
• Philippines
16 Feb 13
Hi, sacmom! I feel that maybe both of them are having some health issues with regards to their age. How old are they? Coz really, I can understand you being upset with them, but if they do have dementia or Alzheimer's, they need to be taken cared of by somebody else. Why not offer both of them a visit to the doctor just to be sure?
2 people like this
@sacmom (14192)
• United States
17 Feb 13
I know they should be taken care of. And although they don't live in an elderly home, they do live in a senior park, so there are plenty of people to check in on them. I just wish I could be one of them, but until this blows it just isn't possible.
@sacmom (14192)
• United States
17 Feb 13
My mom's going to be 72 in a couple of months. I'm not sure how old my stepfather is, but I'm pretty sure he's older than my mom.
From what my stepfather told me a few months ago, they go to the doctors all the time. So they get constant check-ups. Plus they don't seem to want to talk to me anyway, so I couldn't make such an offer anyway.
@jenny1015 (13366)
• Philippines
17 Feb 13
At their age, they should really be taken cared of by someone. I have grandparents, too in the US. The first time that I knew that my uncle have sent them to a homage, well, it's a diferent ki.d wherein they were housed individually but under the care of the government. But I felt sirry for fhem. It is unlikely of my uncle to do that most especially if they stayed here in the Philipines. But since they are all busy with wirk, they have thought of sending them to that homage. But at least, mu uncle knows they wod be fine coz there are people who constantly checks on them.
Now I am prety sure that botb your mom and steo
P dad wohldn't want to be in that place. But at least am hoping that they would allow you to check on them every once in a while.
1 person likes this
@bunnybon7 (50973)
• Holiday, Florida
16 Feb 13
omg, it sounds like meds are taking a toll on her and she dont know whats going on. id be suspicious of the step dad if i were you. you should find out who her doctor is and see if you can get an elder help person to look into whats going on with her. other then that i dont know what id do.
@sacmom (14192)
• United States
17 Feb 13
How can I find out who her doctor is if neither of them are willing to talk to me? Plus, with the privacy laws set the way they are I don't see how it'd do me any good anyway.
By the way, I only have one sister. Unfortunately she broke off any ties to the family back when we were teenagers, so I don't think she'd be willing to help.
@bunnybon7 (50973)
• Holiday, Florida
16 Feb 13
also btw, do you have any siblings willing to help look into it?
1 person likes this
@chiyosan (30183)
• Philippines
16 Feb 13
I would probably just try to understand them if it was me. I know they aren't giving me money and they know i am not asking for anything at all. I would be hurt too and like you i just might not try to go there anymore for the time being especially if they were accusing me of things i did not do.
Maybe i would distance myself but will ask someone to check them out once in a while knowing they have health concerns... its not going to healthy to leave them alone especially if the forget a lot of things...
I hope everytjing turns out all right. Its good you were able to share them with us actually.
2 people like this
@sacmom (14192)
• United States
17 Feb 13
I am trying to understand them. The problem is it's confusing the hell out of me!
I know I'm not asking them for any money, nor am I receiving any from them. But from the looks of things they don't know I'm not receiving it. My mom doesn't seem to remember where any of the money is going that she happens to take out, and my stepfather is accusing me of taking it.
So I'm thinking either a) she really doesn't remember, or b) she is faking for some reason and just letting me take the blame. Their might be other reasons, but those are the two that come to mind. At the same time with my mom acting so screwy towards me, I don't know what to think!
I wish I could get her alone. That way I could talk to her privately. Maybe then I could finally get some answers. However, my stepfather doesn't seem to want to let her out of his sight. At least not when it comes to me anyway. I know he did when one of her sisters picked her up. Unfortunately, that sister, nor any of the others, lives close enough to check up on my mom.
By the way, I'm glad I started this discussion after all. It's been a big help!
@AmbiePam (94059)
• United States
16 Feb 13
It sounds like dementia. And I don't know if your stepfather was right in blaming the symptoms on medication. His might be, although I'm guessing his symptoms are from being a huge jerk. But as for your mother, those sounds like classic dementia symptoms. Some of them are exactly what my grandfather went through, and some sound just like my mom. Both of them had dementia. I hope I'm wrong.
2 people like this
@sacmom (14192)
• United States
17 Feb 13
I remember your mom having dementia, so the thought definitely crossed my mind...at least when I first saw my mom a few months ago. However, the way she behaved when I was there lead me to believe it might be something else. Although she seemed to forgetful a lot, she also didn't want my stepfather overhearing our conversation at certain points, which makes me believe she might be up to something. At the same time though, when I saw her Valentine's Day, she came off so rude. I thought it might be because my stepfather was right there. As she was standing behind him I thought I could use her expression to help, but with him yelling at me I didn't get a chance to see.
@dragon54u (31634)
• United States
16 Feb 13
I'm so sorry you have to go through something like this. It's a damned shame that doctors are no longer allowed to fill in a person's relatives on their health conditions, it would be such a help if you could talk with him or her. You might check to see if she listed you on people allowed to know about her condition. This HIPPA stuff was meant to help and protect but it's surely caused all kinds of confusion and roadblocks for family who are trying to help someone.
I hope you reported back to your aunt. It sounds as if their forgetfulness and confusion might cause them real harm in the future and did they know what they were doing when they bought that car?! Keep in touch with your aunt and other family so that everything is known by everyone just in case your stepfather misguidedly files a lawsuit. There's no telling what people will do when they don't know what they are doing!
I hope things get better. I wish you could talk to your mom's doctor and get him to look closely at her meds and maybe change them. Thyroid meds can wreak havoc on a person, especially if the dosage isn't just right. No telling what all the other things are doing.
2 people like this
@sacmom (14192)
• United States
17 Feb 13
How would I go about doing that? Seeing if she put me on such a list, I mean.
I did report back to my aunt and uncle back in November. All they could really do was thank me for the information I shared with them. Later on I found out from my step dad that one of their other sisters visited my mom shortly after that, but I never found out what became of it.
I don't know if they knew what they were doing when they bought the car. I can only hope that they did. I know their previous car was on the older side (a '94 or '95 Ford) and was having issues from what one of the residents there told me. I also know my stepfather promised to get my mom a car, but that was back in '96 when they first got married. It didn't happened though. He kept putting it off...
Oh, I hope he doesn't file a lawsuit. But if he insists on going that route I'd be more than happy to exploit him for unpaid child support. I don't like playing dirty or ratting people out, but I also don't like being blamed for something I didn't do. So if it does happen, I'll be sure to fight fire with fire!
Thanks dragon, I wish I could too. Maybe then I could finally find out what's going on...
@randylovesdar (4932)
• United States
16 Feb 13
Is it possible that your mom and step dad have alzheimers or demensia. It very well could be the case. I wonder if it would help if the rest of the family can get together and talk that way you can all share what you know. I am not sure if you can speak to their doctors because they may not be able to tell you anything. I am sorry that you have to deal this issue.
2 people like this
@sacmom (14192)
• United States
17 Feb 13
Possibly, but I don't know for sure.
I'll have to remember to contact my uncle tomorrow. Maybe he knows more about it than I do now...
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
21 Feb 13
Oh dear. That's pretty rough mate and I'm sure it's worrying you and stressing you out because that's how I would feel. I'd also be wanting to rid myself of the crap and tell myself ...no more. But I would also have to be a dutiful daughter and go back to make sure things are OK.
If I got the feeling I was stepping on toes or not wanted there I would have to think twice about actually going back.
1 person likes this
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
22 Feb 13
I hear your sadness sweety and the frustration. Give yourself a break for a while. Stay away till you think you can face it again. You're in one of those life situations where it's "dammed if you do and dammed if you don't".
Things don't stay the same...just know that things will be different sooner or later.
@sacmom (14192)
• United States
23 Feb 13
I know things will be different. I just hope it's different in a good way...
@scarlet_woman (23463)
• United States
24 Feb 13
sounds like they're both losing it.
me personally,i'd walk away for a good long time.nobody needs that crap.
my mom's like that to a degree.all money is "her" money.i've told her over and over
we have to make up the shortfall of what she gets a month(doesn't come close),but no,her meager amount "pays" for everything.
whatever. she has NO idea what anything costs anymore on top of it.
1 person likes this
@sacmom (14192)
• United States
24 Feb 13
I was thinking the same thing. Either that or she's faking...
My mom was always so generous in the past. She'd offer money, even when I didn't ask. Even when I'd tell her no thank you, she'd insist and make me take it. She'd never want it back either. That was just the kind of person she was.
I don't like having to stay away, but the way things are I don't see any other choice...
1 person likes this
@sacmom (14192)
• United States
31 Mar 13
No, she didn't have a stroke. If she did, I'm sure my stepfather would have told me so back in November. He did however tell me then that her kidney's are shrinking. My mom didn't want me to know, but my step father let it out, along with accusing me of taking their money. That was the first I heard of it and I thought we cleared all that up that day, so needless to say I was surprised to see he was accusing me all over again when I went back there in February.
I know he's having a hard time remembering, but this is ridiculous! With so much anger going on in his mind, it's probably best that I just stay away (at least for the time being). As for my mom, all I can do is continue doing what I've been doing, which is keeping tabs on her through my uncle. Hopefully I'll be able to visit her soon...
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
4 Mar 13
hi if shes changed that much she is definitely having some sort of mental problem or perhaps she has had a stroke. Your step dad is even worse.t.For your own safety I really would suggest you get them some mental help or get them mentally evaluated some way.
1 person likes this
@sharonercastillo (888)
• Philippines
17 Feb 13
i agree with others that it might be a medical condition, i have an aunt, i got her to leave with my mother, my aunt is single. and my mother is a widow, so i just thought it will be convenient if they are together, but lately my mother is complaining about my aunt being forgetful, and doing things she do not remember doing. she cant even remember my name anymore. i told my mother, be patient, its a sign of old age, aunt i think is on her 70s already.
1 person likes this
@sacmom (14192)
• United States
18 Feb 13
I definitely have mixed emotions over this, but mostly I'm just sad.
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
4 Mar 13
hi sac mom . I would find out who their doctor is and go tell him how they are acting.He might be glad to hear so he might have to have them come in and change some medications.,Accusing you of things you never did sounds mentally ill to me.Really they should be mentally evaluated for their own good.I can see how awful ik would make you feel. I know you did not want any advise but seriously that is iyour r mom and maybe you are seeing some changes nobodyh else noticed.
1 person likes this
@sacmom (14192)
• United States
31 Mar 13
Hey ya Hatley. How do I go about finding out who my mom's doctor if neither of them will talk to me? Well, other than being accused of things I didn't do or saying "what do you want?", that is. And with my stepfather always around my mother, it makes it that much harder to find out anything from my mom.
On a positive note, a family member picked up my mom the other day and took her to see some of the family. From what my uncle told me, she had a great time too. She was singing and seemed to remember things from the past. The only bad thing was that when she was asked about her health, she clammed up. Oh how I wish I could have been there that day. I would have loved to have talked to her without my stepfather around. I think she might be afraid to say anything around him...
I did tell my uncle the next time one of them whisks my mom away to let me know. Maybe then I'd finally be able to find out what's going on.
@sacmom (14192)
• United States
16 Feb 13
Actually, they were like this a few months ago. That's when I first found out my mom's health was declining as well as the money thing. As far as her acting distant towards me that's been going on for about a year now.
My mom's been on thyroid and high blood pressure meds ever since I can remember, and it's never affected her like this. From what my stepfather told me she's been having problems since she started a new one (another thyroid med). I'm not sure when she started it, but if it was some time last year it'd sure make a lot of sense.
My stepfather takes a bunch of meds too. Not sure what for, but apparently it's affecting him negatively as well. However, how am I supposed to help either of them when they are acting like this? They act like I'm the worst daughter in the world...
1 person likes this
@jdawg011 (498)
• Canada
16 Feb 13
Agreed, it seems like it would be difficult to help when they aren't letting you! I guess you could go right to the source of medication: their doctor. You could tell him/her that the new medication is affecting them negatively, and hopefully get them changed.
1 person likes this
@katsmeow1213 (28716)
• United States
16 Feb 13
That's sad.. wish you could get to the bottom of what's going on.
I already don't bother to speak to my mother, but for different reasons. The last time I spoke to her was just before Thanksgiving. I called her, gave her my new number.. haven't heard from her since. It's a 2 way street.. she is capable of calling me, but she doesn't. Why? I don't know. So it makes me angry and I don't bother to call her.
Before November I was always the one to call her. She only ever called me when she needed something.. a ride, money, some sort of favor. So I stopped calling to see if she'd just call me to chat.. obviously she never did.
1 person likes this
@sacmom (14192)
• United States
18 Feb 13
Thanks kats. I wish I could too.
That's just so sad. I have a similar relationship with my dad. Okay, so he never asks me for anything, but he never calls me either. It's been that way ever since I was about 16. Oh there was one time he did. It was last year for my birthday. But other than that I'm always the one to call him. On the plus side, at least when we do talk we have nice conversations. Still, it'd make me feel better if he'd be the one to call...even if it's only every now and then.
@sacmom (14192)
• United States
20 Feb 13
I certainly didn't expect the call from my dad. After all, it took him 21 years to do so. Needless to say I was shocked to hear from him...
@katsmeow1213 (28716)
• United States
18 Feb 13
My mother doesn't call for birthdays.. not mine or the kids. Nothing anymore. Like your situation, we do have nice chats when we do talk.. but she doesn't bother to call me at all anymore.
1 person likes this
@sacmom (14192)
• United States
20 Feb 13
That's just so sad, but at least you have good moments. Wish I could say the same when it comes to my mom...
@carmelanirel (20942)
• United States
14 Apr 13
Wow, I don't know what I'd do, actually I do know, I'd probably wait a long time before trying to contact my mother again and since you don't know if it is the medication, I would try to find out what they are on and then research it, at least it may help me understand better.
@marguicha (223851)
• Chile
14 Apr 13
I`d ask a doctor what it can be done. In my country, if people are not capable of handling their money, the rightful heirs to be (the children) have legal means to to it for them, providing doctors give the necessary statements that they are ill.
@ArielAhhhh (126)
• China
16 Feb 13
Have you ever thought of why did your mom begin to talk with what do you want instead of others every time ? Thats weird but sure thing is do have her reason and it is hard to guess what
I am sorry for you and your mom' relationship turns up to be like this and i am sure it hurts you so much.
But sometimes when you find it hopeless or feel sorrowful about that, try to let it go because both your mom and your step father do have problems in their memories . You can change nothing currently so just let yourself happier and there are lots of good things waiting for you . Do not let this bother you so often and time will solve everyhing.
1 person likes this
@sacmom (14192)
• United States
18 Feb 13
I have wondered that. But I just figured she wanted some space so I would just let it slide.
You're probably right. I probably can't change anything. But at least I can express my concern...if not to them directly, at least to other family members (as well as those on here)...