Vortex, you really shouldn't feel obligated to go. A sympathy card should be sufficient.

My brother-in-law is coming over in 2 hours to finish setting up the crib he adapted for ltc, and then my in-laws are all coming over for dinner tonight. I should really be showered and finish cleaning up the living room. Has anyone seen my spoons?

Shoves spoons through intertubes. I hope you are able to effectively alternate resting and preparing. Don't push yourself too hard.

In that case, don't go, avoid your mother. Where has your brother relocated to?

It's morning. I don't want to deal with half my work. Some of it is fine. Much of it is head-banging-on-the-desk.

If you have to deal with your in-laws tonight, you should definitely take it as easy as possible today.

These are the easy in-laws. So, it should be fine. The house is clean enough. I'm showered and dressed, and I have even done the most difficult task of getting on my compression socks, braces, and shoes without any help.

Oh good. Though still take it easy, just 'cause.

Right now I'm resting until my brother-in-law shows up. Then I need to start the marinara at about 2 or 3.

I also think a sympathy card is enough, Vortex. Maybe send flowers if you feel really guilty. No one expects you to cancel plans and travel for the funeral of someone you were not close to.

Of course, we are currently in a cold war since she told me to get out of her life because I didn't think it was my job to take care of her.

Ouch. Sorry.

This week has been very stressful, work-wise.

Vortex, I'm sorry that things are strained with your mother.

Zenkitty, I'm sorry you're having a stressful day with work.

My brother-in-law is stuck in traffic coming in from New York. So, I'm going to go grab myself some lunch.

Ouch. Sorry.

eh, I'm over it. It was clear that she expected that my brother and I would accede to her every whim, and now I know why. Of course, she has to be nicer to my brother so she doesn't get cut off from the grandchildren. And she also doesn't understand why she's not my priority since I don't have a husband or children.

Vortex, I'm sorry that things are strained with your mother

Thank you, although they've been strained pretty much my whole life. My dad was a real buffer, and after he died, not only was the buffer gone, but there was no one to "take care of her" (although she is perfectly capable of taking care of herself). It just came to a head a few months ago. It was almost a relief.