They believe family is everything. Sometimes your loved ones wound you worst, not your adversaries. They believe family is everything. Sometimes your loved ones wound you worst, not your adversaries.
Sharon here to tell you about my sister-in-law’s turn of a family vacation into my mother’s most embarrassing event.
Jessica, my brother’s wife, came into our life three weeks ago with her newest “brilliant” plan. She said a “dreamy” Asheville lake property was ideal for a “family bonding vacation.”
Sharon, it has six bedrooms! “Private dock, hot tub, everything we need!” she said over the phone. It’ll cost $500 per person to pay our half.
I should have seen anything was wrong when she stated she wouldn’t pay herself since she was the “organizer.” But my mother, Meryl, was thrilled. My brother Peter was glad Jessica was finally attempting to “connect” with us after years without a trip.
“Oh, Sharon, this will be great!” Mom smiled when I phoned to check in. It’s been a while since I felt this thrilled.
That excitement in her voice almost broke me. After Dad died, my mom worked herself to death. She never grumbled about giving up double hours at the restaurant and night studies to become a nurse to raise Peter and me.
She deserved a vacation.
“You’re going to have the best time ever, Mom,” I said, meaning it.
Then everything went apart. My seven-year-old kid had a 103-degree fever two days before the vacation.
Holding the thermometer, I phoned Jessica, shaking.
I’m sorry, but I can’t attend. Tommy’s burning, and I can’t leave.”
Her voice was chilly and dismissive: “Oh!” I think we’ll survive without you.”
No one cared about my son’s health. Just dissatisfaction with my absence.
OK, Jess. Enjoy the vacation, I added, attempting to speak clearly.
First, Mom wanted to cancel when I informed her.
“Oh, dear… Should I go? I can assist if you need me, she added, anxious.
“No, Mom—go. You deserve it. I can manage a fever.”
“Are you certain?”
“Yes. 100%.”
She departed brightly the following morning. “Give my precious grandson a big hug from Grandma!” she said as she got in the vehicle.
“I will. Mom, have fun!”
I video-called her the next morning to update her about Tommy. But when she responded, her expression made me flinch.
She had messy hair and red, swollen eyes. She seemed to be in a tight hallway, not the comfortable chamber I had imagined.
“Mom? Are you okay?
A feeble grin was forced. I’m OK, honey. I didn’t sleep well.”
“Where are you? You seem to be in a hallway. “Are you on the floor?”
Her grin shifted. “Well, everyone arrived at different times, and…
Then I saw. Behind her, a small camping mat with a scratchy blanket and no pillow was uncomfortably jammed between a broom closet and a bathroom door.
Fists clinched in anger. “Please tell me you didn’t sleep there, mom.”
She hid her eyes and muttered, “It’s not that bad… Not too hard floor.”
Just after hanging up, I phoned Peter. His response was pleasant and carefree.
“Sharon! How’s Tommy? We love it here. Jessica and the water are gorgeous.
“Peter.” I sliced his exhilaration with my voice. “Where is Mom sleeping?”
The stillness was so lengthy I believed the call dropped.
“Peter. Answer me.”
“It’s not ideal. Jessica said first-come-first-serve. Mom said she didn’t mind. “You know her toughness…”
Peter, she’s sleeping on the floor. Jessica’s relatives sleep on beds.”
Only a couple nights. She’ll be fine.”
“She’ll be fine? She worked three jobs to pay for college? Who sacrificed all for us? Are you happy with her sleeping on the floor like a stray dog?
“You’re dramatic.”
“No. I’m not theatrical. Being honest. I’m embarrassed to call you my brother since you’re a coward.”
Tommy was sleeping, fever gone, as I hung up and kissed his forehead.
Next, I contacted my neighbor.
Mrs. Kapoor? This is abrupt, but could you babysit Tommy for a few days? A family emergency.”
“Yes, dear. I hope everything is well.”
“Thank you. Truly.”
After 45 minutes, I was speeding down the highway with a queen-size air mattress in my trunk and a burning rage.
Never had I driven so quickly. Mile after mile, my rage mounted. How could they mistreat Mom?
I arrived at the lake home to laughing and music from the back terrace. They partied as my mother lay on the floor.
She was cleaning dishes in the kitchen. She gasped at my sight.
“Sharon! Why are you here? How’s Tommy?
“He’s better. His companion is Mrs. Kapoor.” I hugged her tightly. She felt little in my arms. “This stops now, Mom.”
“Please don’t cause trouble, honey. I don’t want a fuss.”
“You’re not being disruptive. My mother. You deserve respect.”
I grabbed her hand and walked her down the sad hallway. The rug was thin enough to view the hardwood.
“Give me 30 minutes,” I said. “Trust me.”
I then marched to Jessica’s suite, the biggest with a lake view and private bath. I knocked.
Jessica answered the door in a beautiful dress with a glass of wine, feeling confident.
“Sharon! Quite surprising. Thought you’d fail.”
“We must talk.”
She squinted her eyes at the air mattress. What’s that?
“Your new bed. Because you made my mother sleep on the floor.”
Wait a minute—
“No, wait.” I overtook her. This lady reared your husband. She opened her heart to you. And you shamed her.”
Jess got red. “I planned this trip! I deserve this space!
“Organized? Using our cash. $500 apiece, including my mother’s $500 dog sleeper.”
I packed Jessica’s fancy luggage, expensive skincare, and wine small fridge.
Nobody can accomplish this! Peter! Peter!” She yelled.
Peter seemed lost. “Sharon? What’s up?
“Your wife is about to feel the hallway.”
“Please, be rational—”
“Rational? Is it reasonable to let your mother sleep in a hallway? You detest me, Peter.”
Jessica attempted blockage. “I’m not sleeping there!”
“Take the hallway. Apparently, ‘not that bad.’”
I dumped her stuff in the hall. You may choose hallway or patio. Mom has this room.”
I escorted Mom to the suite. Standing at the threshold, tears filled her eyes.
“Oh, Sharon… You didn’t have—
Yes, I did.” I organized her toiletries and few clothes. You deserve it. You deserve comfort and love.”
Her sigh as she slipped into the bed almost broke my heart.
“I can’t remember the last time I felt this comfortable,” she muttered.
Jessica struggled with the outdoor air mattress, her face a mask of fury and embarrassment.
“How’s that feel, Jessica?” I phoned. “Not so cozy, is it?”
Mom made breakfast as usual the following morning. But this time, she appeared calm.
“Good morning, Mom,” I kissed her cheek. Sleep well?
“Dear, better than in years.”
Jessica’s family hid in shame. A relative entered the kitchen.
“That was amazing what you did,” she whispered. It was coming for Jessica.”
Half of the visitors departed by midday. Jessica discovered me helping Mom apply sunscreen on the pier.
“You humiliated me!” she snaps.
I stood, facing her look. “Good. You know my mother’s feelings.”
“This continues.”
Yes, it is. Because if you insult my mother again, my handshake yesterday will appear polite.”
Mom held my hand after she stormed off.
“You didn’t have to fight for me like that, Sharon.”
Yes, I did. You’re my mama. You’re worth every fight.”
We remained all weekend. Mom swam, rested, and slept on that lovely bed.
Jessica seldom talked. I cared not.
There are conflicts worth every bruise and nasty word. Certain individuals are worth protecting at any costs.
Mom held me so close I feared my ribs would break as we left.
Sharon, I appreciate your presence. For making me feel important.”
Mom, you always mattered. More than anything.”
Family goes beyond blood and marriage. Love, respect, and sticking up for each other.
My mother cared for everyone her whole life. Someone needed to look after her.
Justice tastes best with love, a queen-size bed, and the conviction that certain fights are worth waging. Because sometimes our closest loved ones battle hardest for us. Indeed, family should be that.
