Posted by Georgia (64.209.30.221) on August 13, 2001 at 01:00:55:
In Reply to: Why am I not surprised...... posted by Brad W. on August 12, 2001 at 23:16:37:
my family was the same way. I don't live with them, but we are very close. I finally had a very serious conversation with my mother, handed her a print out of the Kip Scale, and forced her to read about what I am dealing with. She finally broke down crying and said that as a mom, it is the worst feeling in the world to see your baby suffer and to not be able to do anything about it. So rather than face the feeling of helplessness, she buried her head in the sand, so to speak. She didn't want to believe that her daughter hurt so much. Her denial came out as anger and frustration and just a general sense of.."oh great, georgia has yet another one of her 'headaches'". She would curse me out for not attending a family dinner or gathering, or for calling in sick to work. I guess my point in telling you all of this, is that maybe your mom is feeling the same way...covering her hurt with the defense of anger or apathy. Rachel is right in saying that the door closes from both sides. Let her in, force her to face what you are going through. Tell her that although there isn't anything she can do to stop the headache, there is a lot she can do to ease the pain of dealing with the beast. Tell her what you need, what you want. Be honest, be open...and she may just do the same. I hope it works out for you, I truly do. Please let us know. And if she won't listen, then you can always come live on the cluster commune we are creating in Van Couver. ;)
Be well.
Peace and love,
Georgia