Your story is my story...from 2003-2006. I won't submit a lot of details because you submitted them for me. It isn't fair and it isn't right for siblings to lay the entire responsibility of a parent's care on the shoulders of only one. Taking care of aging and dying parents is tremendously taxing and more stressful than many can imagine...and my brother and sister had one excuse after the other as to why they couldn't share in that duty.
I will say, though...when my father died, I had no problem getting them together to pick up their inheritance checks.
It has been almost 11 years since my father died and I still miss him. I loved my father and I did what I thought all children would willingly do for their parents at the end of life. I don't regret taking care of Daddy, but I regret that I saw a side to my brother and sister I didn't think I would ever see.
I will say this to you...the good you do in this world comes back to you. So, you will be rewarded one way or another.
Thank you for being the one to step up to the plate. You are a good son.
On 1/06/17, mrwiseman wrote: > Well, > I read all your post with intense frustration and a touch of > anger. I am a caregiver. I take care of my two elderly > parents. I get little to no help from my sisters, and I get > treated shabbily on rare occasions I ask for help. I am > isolated, depressed, and slowly going into a pit of debt > which I may never get out. My sisters expect me to give 100&37; > of my income and time to this task, which I do.I get cast as > the "bad guy" often as well, because they simply do not want > to be bothered. > > So be careful casting the SIL as the bad guy here. > While I think she should have worked out a plan, it seems to > me the OP seems to think the SIL should either give up her > life and do the job full time or shut up and put mom in a > nursing home. I do not think it is unreasonable that your > husband is asked to step up and help out. It is going to be > work it and it is going to be a sacrifice, that is the job of > being a caregiver...if you don't so it somebody has too! > > It seems past wrongs/resentments are the problem here. You > don't like the lady, I get it. But, I am also very cynical of > the belief the SIL is doing all this for money...she is > probably spending more than she will ever inherit. > > Personally, I am sick to death being told to check for help > in my community. There is no help. (I live in small town USA) > I have filled out the forms, and talked, and got zip. I > always think non-caregivers wipe their hands from > responsibility with the panacea of mythical social services. > It makes them feel better that they have "done their part" by > doing absolutely nothing! > My brother in law once sent me a link to a website when I > once asked for help with a minor financial request for Mom. > It was no help, but he felt good about what he had done. I > cashed in my life insurance. > > I wish so badly they, or anyone, would just offer help...real > help with my not having to beg. I too probably sound like I > am demanding when a eventually HAVE to ask for something from > my sisters. I hate asking. > > Maybe MIL needs to go into a nursing home, but my gosh she is > your husband's mother. She is equally his responsibility. > > I guess my point is that as much as you think your sister-in- > law is unreasonable, so are you. Take a deep breath and > accept that your husband will have to help. Hopefully you can > find a a peaceful agreement between the two siblings. > > I feel sorry for Mom...even if she is a difficult old bat. > She raised and sacrificed for her kids. 'My only comfort is > when may parents pass I will know I have done right by them. >
On 1/06/17, Veronica Kane wrote: > mrwiseman, I didn't want to hijack Novel's post, so I am posting > this one independently in response to yours. > > Your story is my story...from 2003-2006. I won't submit a lot of > details because you submitted them for me. It isn't fair and it > isn't right for siblings to lay the entire responsibility of a > parent's care on the shoulders of only one. Taking care of aging > and dying parents is tremendously taxing and more stressful than > many can imagine...and my brother and sister had one excuse after > the other as to why they couldn't share in that duty. > > I will say, though...when my father died, I had no problem getting > them together to pick up their inheritance checks. > > It has been almost 11 years since my father died and I still miss > him. I loved my father and I did what I thought all children would > willingly do for their parents at the end of life. I don't regret > taking care of Daddy, but I regret that I saw a side to my brother > and sister I didn't think I would ever see. > > I will say this to you...the good you do in this world comes back > to you. So, you will be rewarded one way or another. > > Thank you for being the one to step up to the plate. You are a > good son. > > > > > > > On 1/06/17, mrwiseman wrote: >> Well, >> I read all your post with intense frustration and a touch of >> anger. I am a caregiver. I take care of my two elderly >> parents. I get little to no help from my sisters, and I get >> treated shabbily on rare occasions I ask for help. I am >> isolated, depressed, and slowly going into a pit of debt >> which I may never get out. My sisters expect me to give 100&37; >> of my income and time to this task, which I do.I get cast as >> the "bad guy" often as well, because they simply do not want >> to be bothered. >> >> So be careful casting the SIL as the bad guy here. >> While I think she should have worked out a plan, it seems to >> me the OP seems to think the SIL should either give up her >> life and do the job full time or shut up and put mom in a >> nursing home. I do not think it is unreasonable that your >> husband is asked to step up and help out. It is going to be >> work it and it is going to be a sacrifice, that is the job of >> being a caregiver...if you don't so it somebody has too! >> >> It seems past wrongs/resentments are the problem here. You >> don't like the lady, I get it. But, I am also very cynical of >> the belief the SIL is doing all this for money...she is >> probably spending more than she will ever inherit. >> >> Personally, I am sick to death being told to check for help >> in my community. There is no help. (I live in small town USA) >> I have filled out the forms, and talked, and got zip. I >> always think non-caregivers wipe their hands from >> responsibility with the panacea of mythical social services. >> It makes them feel better that they have "done their part" by >> doing absolutely nothing! >> My brother in law once sent me a link to a website when I >> once asked for help with a minor financial request for Mom. >> It was no help, but he felt good about what he had done. I >> cashed in my life insurance. >> >> I wish so badly they, or anyone, would just offer help...real >> help with my not having to beg. I too probably sound like I >> am demanding when a eventually HAVE to ask for something from >> my sisters. I hate asking. >> >> Maybe MIL needs to go into a nursing home, but my gosh she is >> your husband's mother. She is equally his responsibility. >> >> I guess my point is that as much as you think your sister-in- >> law is unreasonable, so are you. Take a deep breath and >> accept that your husband will have to help. Hopefully you can >> find a a peaceful agreement between the two siblings. >> >> I feel sorry for Mom...even if she is a difficult old bat. >> She raised and sacrificed for her kids. 'My only comfort is >> when may parents pass I will know I have done right by them. >>
Take care and good luck. The man upstairs sees your heart. :)
On 1/09/17, mrwiseman wrote: > Thanks. I read many caregiver boards and know there are a lot of us out > there. I am blesssed that my parents are still mentally sharp. There are > still tough days. I am always tired. I do not resent my parents, but my > relationships with my sisters will never be the same. That makes me > saddest of all. > I was having a very bad day when I read the other post. I just feel a keen > sense of responsibility and cannot imagine putting my folks in a home. > I should also add that in my youth I worked in a nursing home. They can > be horrid places...and this was a "nice" nursing home. > Good for you in taking care of your father. I imagine you have special > memories your siblings never have. I also know that their kids probably > watched how they did not help grandpa...and one day, sadly, will treat > them the same way. > > On 1/06/17, Veronica Kane wrote: >> mrwiseman, I didn't want to hijack Novel's post, so I am posting >> this one independently in response to yours. >> >> Your story is my story...from 2003-2006. I won't submit a lot of >> details because you submitted them for me. It isn't fair and it >> isn't right for siblings to lay the entire responsibility of a >> parent's care on the shoulders of only one. Taking care of aging >> and dying parents is tremendously taxing and more stressful than >> many can imagine...and my brother and sister had one excuse after >> the other as to why they couldn't share in that duty. >> >> I will say, though...when my father died, I had no problem getting >> them together to pick up their inheritance checks. >> >> It has been almost 11 years since my father died and I still miss >> him. I loved my father and I did what I thought all children would >> willingly do for their parents at the end of life. I don't regret >> taking care of Daddy, but I regret that I saw a side to my brother >> and sister I didn't think I would ever see. >> >> I will say this to you...the good you do in this world comes back >> to you. So, you will be rewarded one way or another. >> >> Thank you for being the one to step up to the plate. You are a >> good son. >> >> >> >> >> >> >> On 1/06/17, mrwiseman wrote: >>> Well, >>> I read all your post with intense frustration and a touch of >>> anger. I am a caregiver. I take care of my two elderly >>> parents. I get little to no help from my sisters, and I get >>> treated shabbily on rare occasions I ask for help. I am >>> isolated, depressed, and slowly going into a pit of debt >>> which I may never get out. My sisters expect me to give 100&37; >>> of my income and time to this task, which I do.I get cast as >>> the "bad guy" often as well, because they simply do not want >>> to be bothered. >>> >>> So be careful casting the SIL as the bad guy here. >>> While I think she should have worked out a plan, it seems to >>> me the OP seems to think the SIL should either give up her >>> life and do the job full time or shut up and put mom in a >>> nursing home. I do not think it is unreasonable that your >>> husband is asked to step up and help out. It is going to be >>> work it and it is going to be a sacrifice, that is the job of >>> being a caregiver...if you don't so it somebody has too! >>> >>> It seems past wrongs/resentments are the problem here. You >>> don't like the lady, I get it. But, I am also very cynical of >>> the belief the SIL is doing all this for money...she is >>> probably spending more than she will ever inherit. >>> >>> Personally, I am sick to death being told to check for help >>> in my community. There is no help. (I live in small town USA) >>> I have filled out the forms, and talked, and got zip. I >>> always think non-caregivers wipe their hands from >>> responsibility with the panacea of mythical social services. >>> It makes them feel better that they have "done their part" by >>> doing absolutely nothing! >>> My brother in law once sent me a link to a website when I >>> once asked for help with a minor financial request for Mom. >>> It was no help, but he felt good about what he had done. I >>> cashed in my life insurance. >>> >>> I wish so badly they, or anyone, would just offer help...real >>> help with my not having to beg. I too probably sound like I >>> am demanding when a eventually HAVE to ask for something from >>> my sisters. I hate asking. >>> >>> Maybe MIL needs to go into a nursing home, but my gosh she is >>> your husband's mother. She is equally his responsibility. >>> >>> I guess my point is that as much as you think your sister-in- >>> law is unreasonable, so are you. Take a deep breath and >>> accept that your husband will have to help. Hopefully you can >>> find a a peaceful agreement between the two siblings. >>> >>> I feel sorry for Mom...even if she is a difficult old bat. >>> She raised and sacrificed for her kids. 'My only comfort is >>> when may parents pass I will know I have done right by them. >>>
I haven't lived in Chicago in ... um ... more than 40 years. :-) However, I just got back to San Diego about a week ago from central Missouri where it was also very cold!
I really enjoyed that change of weather for the two weeks we were there. Funny thing -- when we took off from San Diego, it was sunny, and we landed in a major cloud cover in St Louis. They had just had a major ice storm hit the area, the day before. Fortunately, it had all melted before we had to get on the highway and drive. When we left STL last week, it was beautifully sunny -- and the pilot flew us into very cloudy San Diego, where it started to rain an hour after we landed. Go figure.
I didn't do any official exercising this weekend. Had to work a big chunk of daylight yesterday. Today it was dgs's 10th bday so been busy with those activities. It's easy to make excuses when the temps are so low. Good for you to wrap yourself up in winter gear and hit the pavement! I admire your efforts.
ron/njyesterday was my scheduled walk day but had to pass as we were having snow, 6". Went today, just had to be a little careful, no problem. I hate the winter!!!!
I'm writing to ask your help in completing a research survey on the extent to which MA educators feel prepared to teach autistic* students. For your help, you'll be entered into a drawing to win one of 8 Amazon gift cards!
I am in process of taking required tests to gain same certifications I have insid Illinois. I am wondering what exactly I would be qualified to teacher if I pass 291 core subjects ec-6. Also - how is the ell requirement met for teaching self-contained. Thank you!
They are very helpful on the phone. I have only had positive responses from very knowledgeable representatives. Kathy
On 1/07/17, Pepsi wrote: > I am in process of taking required tests to gain same > certifications I have insid Illinois. I am wondering what > exactly I would be qualified to teacher if I pass 291 core > subjects ec-6. Also - how is the ell requirement met for > teaching self-contained. Thank you!
On 1/06/17, Equal responsibility=equal say wrote: > But, if someone is going to be judged to have equal > responsibility they deserve equal say. > > One person can't say this is the ONLY way that is > acceptable to handle this situation and expect everyone > else to jump on board - > just because SHE isn't willing to consider other options. > > If you are stubbornly insisting that YOUR plan is the > only acceptable option, you are likely to end up > implementing it mostly alone. > > There is nothing wrong with good facilities for the > elderly. In fact, in many people's opinion it is far > better to be surrounded by peers and activities and 24/7 > support than to be shuttled around to burdened and > stressed family members. > > If brother is equally responsible, then he would be > equally justified in saying that as long as he is alive, > his mother is worth the money to ensure that she has > proper and appropriate care in a place designed for her. > Then, he would be equally justified to insist that each > sibling bear an equal cost of that care. > > While it is admirable to want to care for a parent - - > open minded people realize that there is more than one > way this can look. > > Insisting on her way, and only her way, is going to leave > her alone in the job. > > You want equal responsibility? You have to allow equal > power and > say in the decision about how things are handled. > > > > On 1/06/17, mrwiseman wrote: >> Well, I read all your post with intense frustration and >> a touch of anger. I am a caregiver. I take care of my >> two elderly parents. I get little to no help from my >> sisters, and I get treated shabbily on rare occasions I >> ask for help. I am isolated, depressed, and slowly going >> into a pit of debt which I may never get out. My sisters >> expect me to give 100&37; of my income and time to this >> task, which I do.I get cast as the "bad guy" often as >> well, because they simply do not want to be bothered. >> >> So be careful casting the SIL as the bad guy here. While >> I think she should have worked out a plan, it seems to >> me the OP seems to think the SIL should either give up >> her life and do the job full time or shut up and put mom >> in a nursing home. I do not think it is unreasonable >> that your husband is asked to step up and help out. It >> is going to be work it and it is going to be a >> sacrifice, that is the job of being a caregiver...if you >> don't so it somebody has too! >> >> It seems past wrongs/resentments are the problem here. >> You don't like the lady, I get it. But, I am also very >> cynical of the belief the SIL is doing all this for >> money...she is probably spending more than she will ever >> inherit. >> >> Personally, I am sick to death being told to check for >> help in my community. There is no help. (I live in small >> town USA) I have filled out the forms, and talked, and >> got zip. I always think non-caregivers wipe their hands >> from responsibility with the panacea of mythical social >> services. It makes them feel better that they have "done >> their part" by doing absolutely nothing! My brother in >> law once sent me a link to a website when I once asked >> for help with a minor financial request for Mom. It was >> no help, but he felt good about what he had done. I >> cashed in my life insurance. >> >> I wish so badly they, or anyone, would just offer >> help...real help with my not having to beg. I too >> probably sound like I am demanding when a eventually >> HAVE to ask for something from >> my sisters. I hate asking. >> >> Maybe MIL needs to go into a nursing home, but my gosh >> she is >> your husband's mother. She is equally his >> responsibility. >> >> I guess my point is that as much as you think your >> sister-in- law is unreasonable, so are you. Take a deep >> breath and accept that your husband will have to help. >> Hopefully you can find a a peaceful agreement between >> the two siblings. >> >> I feel sorry for Mom...even if she is a difficult old >> bat. She raised and sacrificed for her kids. 'My only >> comfort is when may parents pass I will know I have done >> right by them. >>
Just a couple of things - we will not benefit from any will so have no financial axe to grind - SiL will get it all (not that there is much) because my husband arranged that with his mother's lawyer as a recognition for all his sister has done in the past for both parents. BiL (their brother, the third sibling) has already had an inheritance - when FiL died, the family home on the estate was passed directly to him because he is a builder and could bring it up to spec. He has renovated it, built two more houses on the plot and is raking it in. This is a source of much resentment from his sister, but it is a decision she made along with her brothers, so I think it's fair enough! He is the one withdrawing from the family and abdicating responsibility for his mother.
I do not dislike SiL - she is basically lovely - but she is dictating what happens with her mother without listening to either brother. We are stepping up to help out - we have her every other weekend for three nights, and alternate weeks she stays here for two nights and three days midweek, then on the weeks she doesn't, husband goes to SiL's home three days and spends hours with her. Please don't suggest we aren't helping out...
MiL is hard hard work and the stress is playing on everyone, most of all my husband. SiL is stressed too but will not listen, just complains. For some reason, she feels she can rant at us (mostly me...) but not at her other brother - I do not understand why he is exempt. I bite my tongue at all times because I do not want to drive a wedge into the family. It is not doing MiL any good being shuffled around like this, but she loves being with people and having lots of attention. The situation is not tenable and some crisis will be reached at some point. I am just waiting for that other shoe to drop. Please God don't let it be husband breaking down :-(
Again, gratutude for all these supportive and kind responses.
Initially the price seems high but I wonder if it really is after you factor in all the incidental costs and the hassle factor. Has anyone taken one of these kinds of trips and what are the pros and cons?
We did a tour to see the Tournament of Roses parade. We had a great hotel, and they arranged the early breakfast before we left the hotel (earlier than the dining room was usually open), and good seats to view the parade. Could we have done this ourselves? Yes, but it would have been difficult. (And while they opened the dining room early for the tour, as individuals it would not have been possible)
Thank you - OPThank you for your input. I think some of our trip ideas might be best served with a tour and while we may not see everything, we also don't have to drive ourselves crazy trying to plan and coordinate everything.