Always is when I go away for the weekend with my family...
You can guarantee when I come back he's "been ill". EVERY TIME. So I phoned him - first sentence "I've been ill". Like its my fault because I went away!
STILL not taking all his medication that the GP gave him so I offer ZERO sympathy. Basically, wants me to tell him how he can feel better - "Take the meds the GP has given you Dad, if that fails then go an see you're GP but I'm not a doctor."
His words - "I desperately need you to visit the weekend." "I've got no food in the house" (Brother lives literally 5 mins drive from him - I live 35-40 mins. Brother is probably laying low). Anyway, he knows my car is in the garage so I'm struggling for transport and he knows my wife works weekends so may need our other car. So I tell him I can't promise. Anyone would have thought I'd told him I'd murdered the family next door.
Apparently, I'm "letting him down" and "need to arrange something", and "wife needs to understand". Of course the standby offer of home delivery groceries is not good enough - he doesn't want to spend the £30 minimum - they have to be hand delivered by me!
I've tried setting boundaries, I've said no can do, I've tried ignoring, I've tried just not doing. Give him his due he's relentless in his quest to get me to do what he wants!
Do you think your dad will make it to 100 years of age? Sometimes I think my mom will. She’s already 93!
Hope all is well with your wife and kids. Take care.
Dads OK. Hes 85 this year. Going strong to be honest..... I just hope he goes out on his own terms. He'd hate a long lingering illness - I really hope he just goes suddenly one day when his time is right.
You and my lazy arse brother would get on like a house on fire...
But Paul, this is not a rhetorical question: why are you SO annoyed by what Sonny said?
If you think about that carefully, and link it with why you find it so heavily oppressive when your father makes demands and so painful when your half-wit brother makes digs on Facebook, and go on to think about why you take such things so much to heart, I do honestly think this might be a first step to regaining your sense of proportion.
Your father says "do my shopping." Some people would say "delighted to!" and some people would say "do your own, you silly old sod" and some people would say fine and call Ocado; but you? You're bowed down by his asking you, whether or not you finally give in. It's crazy.
Your father thinks he should be into every nook and cranny of your life, and that he's entitled to expect you to do everything for him. Your brother thinks you're underworked (it's not real work, you don't get your hands dirty) and massively overpaid (think: Bill Gates) and that it won't hurt you to pull your weight. But neither of these things is a problem, because neither your father nor your brother has any authority in your life. The *problem* is that you keep agreeing with them. Stop it!
Yes I know I take it to heart. Sonny just reminds me of my brother and rest of my family. Heard it a million times. All they see is one side of the argument "but hes old and needs help". They NEVER see the other side which, as you know, is me trying to balance OTHER peoples needs as well, and also Dad sitting there ordering people around because he can't be bothered.
Honestly, I have made massive progress. A few years ago, I'd just at everything he asked and it caused me huge problems at home. Now I don't.
As I've tried to step away though, both Dad and brother have upped things MASSIVELY recently. Im trying though...
Like?
This is the point. Your father is old and helpless. Your brother is never going to do anything more energetic than post on Facebook. So... They are doing what to you? What can they do to you?
I don't know whether you're ignoring or missing the point.
As with Sonny, so with Dad, so with Bro.
The pain, stress, whatever you experience is not coming from them. They can't DO anything. It is coming from YOU.
And I don't mean stop running around after your father. Actually, I think if you spent more organised time on your Dad and less on dodging him and arguing with him and having panic attacks about him, it might be better for both of you.
I mean examine your responses to these stimuli and see what you can do to correct them. If you found a CBT therapist - there are zillions, you can't go for a stroll in Wales without tripping over one - and had half a dozen sessions it would be money well spent. And actually, you've got private medical insurance, haven't you? - so much the better, have a look and see if you're covered.
I've started to say no to things as everyone tells me. Hes realised things are changing and is trying to combat it.
I've had the illness this week - not unexpected since I'm away for a few days next week. I've had the "I don't know how much longer I can cope on my own".
He still hasnt given up on trying to get my wifes number. I do ignore that now.
He said that to you, and you didn't jump in the car, swoop down there and stick him in a care home?
What did you say? PLEASE don't tell me you let that remark go by.
So dont be surprised if dad has a good fall, starts throwing up bc the food is bad. Only you can provide food he can eat. Dont be surprised if the calls increase bc now brother is in on it. Dont be surprised if you get the snotty crying hiccupping jags that you have abandoned him and he is sooo alone.
Remember you re the one that can control how you react to them. If questioned about your whereabouts, you dont remember, was indispoded etc. You were charging your phone, forgot your phone, in an area with no reception. You get the idea. Dodge the questions. Or go full grey rock. No response, no answer, indifferent. Stay strong.
Therapy - oh yes I know. Got many years experience of "issues" myself so know the score. Probably why I get so stressed about Dad.
Alas, its not cheap and my private health doesn't cover that.
I've had "chest tight, can't breathe" more than once. Rushed over and hes fine.
Hes done it to medical people too. He called the doc out a few times, but they said he was fine, he was convinced he should be in hospital. So he called ambulance they said same. Next day he cut his head on the cupboard door and got his wish. A very dodgy injury too which which the hospital agree was probably self-inflicted.
He mumbled "no no no" and changed the subject. Happens a lot with Dad he'll start on about something, I'll turn it around, he'll then try to backtrack and he'll then sweep it under the carpet and back off.
Does it with the home delivery thing. He'll say "I've got no food", I'll say "I'll arrange home delivery", he'll mumble and say "no I'll be ok" and backtrack.
So, you're not sure how you're going to carry on managing - what are your thoughts, looking ahead?
No food? Oh dear. What will you do?
Questions put the onus on your father to suggest options. If *you* suggest options, he can just satisfy and amuse himself by knocking them down.
Meanwhile, get on with your shortlist of possible care homes. Have you in fact done anything at all about finding one that would suit him?
You definitely do need a therapist. Here is an example of why. You just there wrote about how your father told you he was having breathing difficulties and you jumped in your car and rushed over there - what is it, forty minute drive? But anyway -
1. WHEN did this last happen? It was months if not years ago, wasn't it. And you're still feeling stressed about it. And you think you don't need help.
2. If you really believed your father was having real difficulties with breathing, would you also *really* believe that driving to his house is the best thing to do? No. You know that as well as I do. "Is the person breathing?" is famously the first thing emergency call handlers ask. So you knew you were responding not rationally, not even appropriately, but emotionally; and you still bear a grudge about it all this time later; and you're blaming your old dad for it. And you think you don't need help.
Your father is not going to change. To cope with him, YOU need to change how you respond to him. You will need help with that. It is widely available.
It does help me venting a little on here.
Things are getting there. Changed a lot over the last year maybe not as quickly as I should.
I see people who live with they're elderly relatives. Jeez- I think I'd last one day...
"I've started to say no to things as everyone tells me. Hes realised things are changing and is trying to combat it. "
Bravo!!! Paul. I know it's not easy. It's easier said than done. For many of us, we are so well trained to obey and please our parents, it takes us being pushed into a corner and getting fed up before we act. I'm so glad you're making progress, slow, but progress it is.
Vent here as much as you want. And I, too, agree that seeing a therapist might help you see your dysfunctional relationship with your dad in a new healthier way. Please consider it.
You posted:
[CM - yes I said, "look, if you're struggling then maybe we need to see about alternatives that we discussed the other day"
He mumbled "no no no" and changed the subject. Happens a lot with Dad he'll start on about something, I'll turn it around, he'll then try to backtrack and he'll then sweep it under the carpet and back off.
Does it with the home delivery thing. He'll say "I've got no food", I'll say "I'll arrange home delivery", he'll mumble and say "no I'll be ok" and backtrack.]
IF he starts on something, do what you have done before - suggest the alternative he DOESN'T want - the "home". Can't cope, having medical issue, need food - hey, there's a nice place, XYZ home, I found for you where they can manage everything for you. You get immediate care/treatment, they provide food, transport, cleaning, laundry, etc. If he backs off and says no no no, then your response is that's all you have to suggest and give him the silent treatment (or hang up.) Might be good to have the name of several places, then if he balks, what about ABC place? No? Maybe JKL place?
You say he starts on something else when you suggest these options, then repeat the name of the place(s).... Counter every argument HE makes with that and nothing more. You can stonewall just as well as he can. But, I need... XYZ home dad.... No, I meant... ABC home dad. Repeat the names for each of his attempts to skirt the issues. Make it into a game for yourself - you might actually start to enjoy it!!
BTW, I mentioned using the 'Do Not Disturb' on your phone when on ANY holiday, but wasn't sure about Facebook as I don't use it, however your brother does. The search on it hit a few articles dated last year about testing it. It appears they DO have it, so whenever on holiday, at the least during the hours of family time/trips/activities/meals, turn this on along with the phone option. If later you want to check on things, you can undo the settings and get messages. But reserve that for quiet time, after kids are in bed, etc. Review and delete whatever is inconsequential. There is NO need for anyone to have instant contact while you are on vacation. What did people do before FB and cellphones?
If I were you, Id fill his freezer and pantry up with food. He would throw a fit. Id say problem solved, your always complaining about no food. Let him go off about it being too much. Too bad. Let him rant, SO WHAT. Thats when you walk away. He cant argue with himself.
You have to get a back bone. Your still in little boy/son mode around him. You need to be in adult stand your ground and not be in manipulated mode. You will get there if that is your goal. Stop over analyzing every interaction. Your doing it out of guilt. You are an adult who doesnt have to make excuses for wanting a private life and jumping when called.
Interact with dad and be done with it. Dont engage in arguments, second guessing or rehashing the interaction. Interact and say this is going to happen. Thats it no discussion. Think of yourself like a CEO. You tell it like it is going to happen, and leave it at that. Nip any debates in the bud. No this is how it is. Then walk away or onto the next task. Youll get the hang of it! Just keep thinking like a boss when you walk in there. Would a boss take crap? No. Good luck.
I told him DO NOT start with the "I was worried something had happened to you" either. He does this all the time and it drives me up the wall! Mobile/cell coverage is patchy where we were in spain anyway.
I did speak to him (monday) - we back very late last night. I told him monday, Ok Im here etc etc had a chat will speak friday when I'm back. Otherwise he expects a call every day when I'm away and its just too much.
My mother never listened to a word I said. I asked her why. Her response - "I was thinking about what I was going to say to you." Geez - communication gap much.
Anyway, last kid (whos about 7) lives with her mother. Like I said brother never bothers. Anyway, shes got an alcohol problem and social services have told her she can't have her kid with her.
Of course, they've contacted my brother (as he is the dad). Hes said he can't have her because he works and she'll have to go out to fostering. (His new wife doesn't work at all so can't see why she can't help).
Absolutely disgusting IMHO. Let him try and badger me now about not helping with Dad. I'll be mentioning I don't have the option of farming my kids out to someone else.
Worse still Dad agrees with him that he should do this. OMG - My family are scumbags......
His attitude towards my brothers kids makes me thinks if I don't know the whole story here. Like I said hes advised my brother that its "too much hassle" to look after his own kid because "work is more important". I just can't see how he would have chosen to do this himself all those years ago. Hes shown the last 20 years or so that he is a very narrow minded and selfish man. It just doesnt compute that he'd do this. (It was early 70s too - pretty much unheard of having a single Dad with kids at this time).
I don't have contact with my mother but I do have contact with her sister. I am toying with the idea of getting the story from her. I've got a massive suspicion that Dad has lied to me all these years.
Hes 84 now, it was almost 50 years ago. What do you all think? Should I stir it all up?
You can by all means ask your aunt for your mother's side of the story, but promise me that if you do so you will bear in mind that what you see depends on where you stand, and there's no particular reason why her narrative should be any more reliable than your Dad's.
Do not do this, certainly, with the intention of adding more to your Book of Grudge against your father.
I was thinking over the weekend, about an unrelated problem, that we spend a lot of time counselling people to shed their anger and trying to figure that out for ourselves, too; but to my mind bitterness is at least as destructive an emotion.
Is your mother still alive?
I'm sorry to read about your niece. To be honest, it must be best for her that she is looked after by people who are a) up for it, b) trained, and c) supervised, don't you think? It's a crappy thing for any kid to have to go through, but not nearly as crappy as the terror and danger of coping with an alcoholic parent when you're seven. Poor little moppet. Hope this proves to be a new page for her.