Who Cares What Nansi Thinks?

There are four of us. We are far flung. One in Tennessee, one in Texas, one in Michigan, and one in PA (me).

In the early years of our adulthood, Mom and Dad lived in Florida. To live anywhere near them was to choose a life of upheaval. Eventually, we all moved as far away from Florida as we could get.

I think that my life with Mom and Dad was easier than theirs. I was the youngest and lived alone with them from the time I was twelve years old. I had sat back and watched the battles in my early childhood years. I became an expert in determining the atmosphere, and adjusting to the climate.

When Dad died, I moved Mom to Pennsylvania with me. I think they were all relieved that she wasn't going with one of them.

I've said this to them a hundred times, but I don't think they believe me: While I envy them their ability to live their lives without the day-to-day struggle of getting Mom through, I do not resent them. I'm glad that we're not ALL embroiled in Mom's drama.

I feel the prayers they send up for me. I also feel the guilt they struggle with. If I had one wish, it would be for them to be relieved of that guilt. They're not guilty. They've done nothing wrong.

I chose this life. I knew at my dad's deathbed that bringing Mom home with me was a commitment to either her grave or mine. (Some days I swear she'll be the death of me!)

I love that my sibs call Mom, send her care packages, and send her cards. That's really all she needs from them. Just to know they care.