well I did it this time.... I have laid it all on the line... and discussed with my mother the possibility of her moving out at some point.... and I suppose we will find out how she took the news over the next several days....
but she seems miserable here. She hates being here all the time. On almost a daily basis she tells me how trapped she feels, how worthless her life is here... and I just can't fix it for her.
and when she brought groceries home today I helped her unload them and I was hit in the face by a smell I have come to loathe.... cigarette smoke. I have suspected, even gone so far as to ask her if she was smoking again. She adamantly denied it. Before my parents even stepped on the plane they were both told they had to completely quit smoking to move in with us. Smoking outside and coming in was NOT part of the equation. And as I leaned over to grab the bags I saw it.
The ash tray in my dad's car was 1/2 full.
I came in and asked again. She lied straight to my face. I could still smell the lingering smell of smoke on her clothes.
It was all I could do not to lose it.
I told her she has a choice to make.
She does.
I will not tolerate a smoker in our home with our children. If she wants to put herself in the ground by smoking those horrible cancer sticks I will not support it.
I do not know what to do. I suppose I wait and se if she chooses to move out.
Let me say this. I am not throwing her out or asking her to make a choice with no income. Last week she went to SSI and applied for widows benefits and she has already received her first check - and it is more than half of what Frank and I make monthly. SO she can afford to live on her own, should she choose to do so.
and try not to listen to the sound of my dad's voice in my memory saying... "but you promised to take care of her"
And I did... but that promise was made that I was not moving smokers into my home. They had agreed to COMPLETELY quit. And yes. I knew I was asking a lot.
How many people have to suffer for her choices under our roof?
2 comments:
good for you. you have to set boundaries for the sake of your children and the health of your family. She is the one making the wrong choices, so do not feel guilty that you are not doing enough.
Praying for wisdom for you.
Holly
She is an adult. It is not your job to fix her. Yes she is probably stressed and that is an easy crutch to pick up. I can't imaigne how hard it must be to lose a husband and then also lose my home and the quiet existence I have known. However, for the better-ment of her own life she chose to move. Your kids are your priority and she knew what you expected...so it isn't like you are springing anything on her. praying you all can find a common ground.
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