When I used to consider searching for my biological people, mother in particular, one of the deterrents was ending up with two mothers giving me heartburn. Twice the hassle. More family to worry about, answer to. Do I really want two mothers? What if the second one is even more difficult than the first? Well, believe it or not, I found myself in just such a situation this past week.
I'm sitting with my husband and brother-in-law at a nice outdoor patio, about to devour a pitcher of sangria. The sun is shining, I'm away on a short holiday and this is our first day there.
Part of the reason we've visited at this time is that my biological mother is also visiting this particular city. We've been in touch about getting together and it's supposed to happen at some point. We will arrange something via text once I arrive.
Back to my patio.
I'm rocking my shades, laughing with hubby and bro-in-law, sipping sangria, and soaking up the sun when it happens. My cell phone rings.
That's not supposed to happen when I am away. Who'd call me on my cell when I'm away when I rarely get calls when I'm at home? Home care for my mom, that's who would call. My mom isn't answering her phone, her door, they made an appointment earlier in the morning for that day, would she really forget within a few hours? Hmm, not likely. I call my mom's cell, scrounge for her boyfriend's number then call him, then his cell, and finally reach him. Nope, he'd just been to my mom's and she hadn't answered and her car was there. He'd been told to bring her a loaf of bread but now he was on his way home.
Damn. This is bad. I look at my phone. I haven't charged it since the night before and the battery is lower but not too bad. I call my son to see where he is, can he zip to grandma's to see what's going on? I have a key to her place but it's at my house. Maybe if I call the office of her apartment building they'll let my son in. Better yet, maybe they'll just go in to see what's going on because it's going to take my son a good half an hour to get to my mom's. I tell my son to head to grandma's and I'll call him back. I locate and call the office of my mom's apartment. They're reluctant to go in but understand that the situation could be serious and saving time could be critical. They will check and call me back.
I check my charge on my battery. Getting lower all the time. I just need it to hang on until the office calls me back. I still need to call home care, my mom's boyfriend, and my son back. I'm trying to stay calm but my stomach is in knots. I am 99% sure something is seriously wrong and as all possible scenarios are swirling in my head, I receive a text. Oh no, I don't have the battery charge for this.
It's my biological mother, returning my "we're here" text I'd sent when we'd gotten into town. What are my plans? Did I want to get together that day? What did I want to do? What were we doing right now? Ugh...this CAN'T be happening.
I start to text back what's going on with my mom, I may have to head back home etc. and it's impossible. Too many details for a text and I can't call as I am waiting to hear back and cannot miss that call. So, I make arrangements to meet up later with bio mom while worrying my mom mom is laying dead in her apartment. Crazy! Everything ultimately turned out alright, my mom did need help but it wasn't life threatening and the visit with bio mom went well but for a moment or two, I couldn't believe that what I dreaded was actually happening.
I had to do something! It's hard to describe "what isn't" but I have high hopes. For now thoughts and ideas on parenting, step parenting, marriage, divorce, adoption, death and whatever else I think I may have constructive commentary on. If you have some commentary or thoughts of your own, please feel free to share!
Saturday
This Just Can't Be Happening...Oh Yes It Can
Labels:
adoptee,
aging parents,
biological parents,
mom,
mothers,
poor me
6 comments:
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Ugh, Mothers! I am glad every thing turned out ok!
ReplyDeleteOh I was soooo glad when it turned out ok Sunday. It was odd to feel so relieved when in reality what had happened wasn't great. It was just so much better than worst case scenario that I was actually happy about what had happened. Ah life. We never know what will happen from one moment to the next.
ReplyDeleteI can fully identify with that guilty, caught in the middle, oh no feeling. I am so glad it worked out ok for you in the end with both moms. What a relief indeed!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, Campbell! Never a dull moment,is there! Well, I'm glad things worked out ok and am also glad to read that you finally got to meet your bio mom.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad everything turned out ok - how stressful!
ReplyDeleteJust reading this post raised my blood pressure! Happy to hear that everything is well with your Mom, and the time spent with your bio mom was in good company.
ReplyDeleteHang in there!
Elaine Pinkerton @ elainepinkerton.wordpress.com