Ok, the others bailed out (by direct or indirect choices)..yes I recall some of your horrendous past now (((Petunia))) my apologies for my memory

That you are the only one concerned with how your mother is thinking and talking about you doesn't mean you have to bear the brunt of her needing family. IMO.

You are terrific. And I think you are managing as well as you can. (Maybe she is too, but certainly isn't as knowledgeable and eager to improve life as it pertains to PTSD)

It tugs at the heart IMO because of the deep desire to have things DIFFERENTLY!!! But no amount of trying can create the past you wish you had. No amount of taking the heat and feeling guilty today, in the present, will make your future better, either, imo.

Nope, you just have to allow the comments to roll off your back. You know how I do some of that? I recall my volunteer work in nursing homes...and how I heard ALL the comments from all different types of ppl in all different ages and levels of development. NONE of it really pertained to ME... (unless it was a good comment ) and I try to listen to my mom and other elderly with the same "ear." If you haven't had that experience, I would suggest you try to find a local nursing home to visit (they are very open now at holiday.) Then, remember how you handled their miscellaneous comments that had nothing to do with you, but with how THEY remember life and are feeling... and apply that attitude to your mom. I think it will help.

TC! ((((My favorite plant.))))