Today- please indulge me... I'm bitching. And ranting... You may not be interested- but this is my blog damn it.
I want to pre admit that I may be over sensitive as I've had to accept help alot this week. But still... arrg.
I have literally, many many times been knocked to my knees in gratitude for the selfless acts and offerings in this most recent season of my life. From a sister (and BIL)- who- up until we were well into our 20's- would to speak to eachother maybe...maybe once/ twice a year-- offering not only taking care of Teg's airline ticket but coming to visit at exactly the right time and doing ALL the right things allieviating big big burdens for me- To a brother (and BIL) who I would have never thought would want to travel with me- end up being the perfect travel companion for my whole travel group and taking care of my ticket too. From these huge gestures to friends who show up to clean and organize my house in the midst of a mental packing breakdown. A co worker who charged me nothing for her notary services and never balked but always offered her stamp at no charge (and Lord knows someone could make a decent living off one dossier alone!) I am literally overwhelmed with the goodness of people- notes from people I haven't seen since high school shouting encouraging and supportive words- people who took a step out- didn't have to say a thing- but showed their heart in support. I am truely touched.
And then... then ... there are days like today.. when I am reminded... that some people.... some.. don't know the meaning of giving. Don't know the meaning of help.
It saddens me. Because this person- is probably the closest to me in the world.
Perhaps I'm wrong- and Lord forgive me if I am- and show me her heart-- It seems as if with her.. Give, is Give and Take. Fair is Fair. And an offer for help- is a debt to be paid.
And you know what makes it worse... the offer for help, feels... and is delivered as... an obligation to accept the offer. I don't think she knows she is being manipulative in that way... but she is. And it hurts.
I was very sick this week. Started last week with the Shingles...and this week with pneumonia.. hard.. in both lungs. Almost went to the hospital.. as O2 stats were low.. but I can play the single mom with 2 year old card, now. So- try as I might... I needed help with the Boy. He loves to visit her. It's like Disney World to him-- one or two adults who do nothing but play with me-- room to run-- and no rules!
Having only about 2 hours of energy after each bout of sleep- He was there quite a bit and I appreciated the help. But not wanting to leave him - I would go to the past 2 days.
Two days was enough.
I appreciated the help- cause only God knows how we'd have gotten through without the help. But--- she manipulated and sabotaged so many parenting strategies with him. Trying so hard to make her be his favorite. How many times.... How clear do I have to be... I'M STILL TRYING TO GET HIM TO ACCEPT ME AS HIS PARENT. PLEASE DO NOT COMPETE WITH ME. YES I REALIZE YOU WILL WIN. THAT IS NOT THE GOAL.
Resurrection. Tomorrow is Easter. Tomorrow we will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus and all that it means for this world and our lives. It also means--- one more day- time with family.
But the boundaries go back. Boundaries she is not respecting. Boundary. As if she doesn't know the definition. (She 'happens' to show up where ever the Boy and I are having mother / son time... just a bit too often). She can still have him once a week if she wants to continue that schedule. But- this Momma is making other plans for her needed breaks.
It is a dangerous thing accepting help from this woman. I've said it before and I'll say it again... it is a very slippery slope. She'll be offended when other plans are made without consulting her... but seriously?... WHY?
I'm frustrated. Angry. Mostly at myself. Cause I knew it. I knew this would happen. And yet- I asked her not to. I laid out the ground rules. And like my freaking 2 year old- she violated every last one. I feel violated. I feel victimized. By the one person who is supposed to have your back. UGH.
It's my own fault. It really is. I knew I should have sucked it up and just stayed at home with the Boy. But .. it seemed too easy to let him go with her and be happy. Let him have some fun. Some fresh air- while I sleep, hack, cough and gag. Maybe that was the problem. Too easy. Too tempting. Is it possible this woman is part of the devil that tempts me. Yes- it's possible. And it isn't the first time I've wondered. I feel guilty even typing it... but ... she does NOT walk with an open heart. She does NOT walk in Love. If I'm wrong Lord show me. But I must stand my guard and stand firm with the boundaries. What they guard, my son, is too important.
AAAAARRRRRGGGG
3 comments:
Shannon.
I am soooooo sorry.
I am not in your shoes, but I can imagine your frustration and not being able to count on a person who you'd most like to be able to count on.
You are still in my prayers. And Teg.
Don't you want to drag some people to a therapist with you? Force 'em to sit there and talk with a mediator between you? Until the truth comes out?
Another note: the word verification is streethors. ha!
Oh Shannon I am so sorry :(
Shannon,
I read this a while ago but wasn't able to comment at the time because I read it on my ipod and well I'm all thumbs on my ipod.
Anyway, this post so resonated with me. I know your hurt and pain. And when they reject you because that other person is more fun or what ever, it hurts even more.
I was there at one time and even though "that" person for me was very persistant in seeing him the first few months and I mean she was very crafty with figuring out ways and excuses to come over to our house even when she was not invited.
I finally had to have a straight talk with her and it was not easy, especially since she is on my husband's side of our family. I gently asked her to please help me with my attachment by turning him back to me and it's important that these first few months, he has more fun with me and his dad than anyone else. This way I was not pointing the fingure directly at her but indirectly telling her that whether he likes her or not does not matter at this time.
Others who like to sweep up our children and pour out love on them are only satisfying their own emotions, without having the best interest of our child.
I know you probably already know most of what I've written but I at least wanted to offer my encouragement and support here. So sorry you are experiencing this but hopefully this person will get the message of what you are trying to accomplish.
You are an amazing mother! Keep up the good work!!
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