Update on my so-called "break"

**FrugalWitch** · 04-03-2008, 12:11 PM

Here's just the facts: Former addict brother says that he will be taking care of Mom from Monday March 31st- Monday April 7 from 9am-5pm daily so that DH and I can get a much overdue break. (please note that this is just an 8 hour shift daily, not the 24/7 that I do and have done for 11 months without a break)

Brother shows up Monday 3/31 at 8pm "dead tired and starving" He eats supper and then invites (without any one's knowledge) 2 other people over....neither Momma, myself or DH know the 2 random strangers. Brother leaves by 9:30pm strangers in tow.

Tuesday, he actually shows up early to accompany Momma to doctor's appointment. He leaves with her at 8:20 am, has her home by 12 noon. Collapses on sofa "exhausted, nerves are shot, just too stressed by the situation" He then sleeps on couch until 6pm. Does not stay to supper, but does raid fridge and carry things off with him.

Wednesday, brother comes by house at 10:45am. Messes around for 10 minutes with a pencil and a piece of pipe. Says he will be installing handrails on front porch steps. Says he will be leaving town early Sunday morning instead of late Monday evening. One whole day of "vacation" lost. Leaves at 11 am.

Thursday (today). hasn't been seen or heard from since.

In 4 days the entire break has been 3 1/2 hours. DH is so far beyond livid that it is not even funny. So that's my break/vacation update.

**frugalfriend** · 04-03-2008, 12:22 PM

Oh, that makes me mad!

What is his problem? Can you talk to him and tell him how much you and your Dh and (HIS mother too!!) were counting on him??? I'm so sorry!!! What a jerk!!

**mombottoo** · 04-03-2008, 04:31 PM

Sorry you are not getting your needed break. I know what it is like to have to care for someone 24/7. Would your mom qualify for any type of assistance that would pay for respite care?

**Luv2BeFrugal** · 04-03-2008, 04:44 PM

That stinks!!!!

**FrugalWitch** · 04-03-2008, 04:50 PM

I'll be hearing if I got the respite grant in two weeks. Talking to my brother is a waste of breath. He knows we're counting on him to keep his word and as usual he just does not care. He's spending all his time working in a garage for extra money instead of being here doing what he promised. He did breeze by for 35 minutes today and ate lunch. He gave us the impression he was staying to put up the handrails but nope, he's gone again.

What really burns us all is that this whole thing was his idea! He called and said he was coming for the week. He specifically and repeatedly said the entire purpose of his trip here was to give me and DH a break!! GGGggrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!