Son, I Don’t Want You to Divorce Because of Me! Please Send Me to a Care Home!

“Son, I don’t want you to get divorced because of me! Please, take me to a care home!”

It was only six months ago when I brought my mum to live with us. Shes getting on a bit noweighty-three years old. Ever since Dad passed away, shes struggled to manage on her own in the countryside. Our children are grown up and have families of their own, so its just been my wife and me living in our modest two-bedroom flat. I thought it wouldnt be an issue to have Mum move in.

At first, my wife didnt say much, but within a week, she began to grow impatient with my mothers presence. Buying gifts for my wife

“Listen, can she eat separately, after we’ve had ours?”

“Why?”

“Well, its easier that way. I lose my appetite when I see her chewing without her teeth. I just… its unpleasant.”

“Come on now, we all grow old.”

“Its not the same thing.”

It wasnt only that. My wife was bothered by Mums stomach problems, and her loud snoring at night seemed to push her over the edge. She started telling Mum not to come into the kitchen, then she said she should stay in her room altogether. One evening, my wife turned to me and confessed,

“Listen, I didnt expect her to be here this long. I just cant do this anymore.”

“So, what do you want me to do?”

“Send her back to the countryside.”

“She cant manage on her own, not at her age!”

“People get by, you know! None of our friends have their parents living with them; why should I feel like a stranger in my own flat and have to put up with her smacking and that awful smell?”

I was completely lost. But a few days back, I came home to find my mother dressed, a suitcase by her feet, sitting quietly in the hall.

“Mum, what are you doing there?”

“Son, please take me to a care home!”

“Mum, why? Whats this all about?”

“I cant bear to be the cause of trouble between you and your wife.”

Mum keeps begging me to let her go. But I dont know what to do. I cant live peacefully knowing shes in one of those homes. Maybe it would be better if I left everything behind and moved to the countryside with her? What am I supposed to do?