Happy Birthday to my only remaining Auntie

I'm a bad person. I will explain.

October 22 will be my only remaining Auntie's birthday. She will be 90. Auntie V is my mother's only living sibling. I know it must be really hard on them. There were eight and now only two.

Here's why I am a bad person. My mother is going to go to Auntie V's birthday celebration. She will leave on October 21 and return on the 26. That means we will be on our own here for almost a week! Almost a week without ugly looks and nasty remarks. A chance to be pain free (I hope) and a chance to recover and heal a bit.

At first mom had asked me to go along. Part of me really wanted to. But then it became so difficult. Finances are tight, and it was impossible to find someone to stay with Faye. She doesn't need nursing care, but the minute you mention Down Syndrome and her age, prospective candidates simply freaked out.

Nursing care became the only option available. But since she goes to day care during the day, supervision and routine care would only be needed in the evening and morning. It seemed ridiculous (and we couldn't afford the 175.00) that we would be charged so much for each "day".

I mentioned to mom that between Alex and Lisa (other sister) they could work out something. That only angered mom and sent her into a tirade at me. Lisa has never offered to help out with Faye or mom. That's just the way it is, the way it has always been.

I know it's awful for me to be happy that she is going away. I hope she will be ok. I will take her to the airport and pick her up on her return. I will worry about her trying to navigate about. I hope and pray that she will have a good time.

She used to travel constantly, and so enjoyed it. We always knew she liked us better when we weren't around. But she hasn't traveled since she had the accident that caused the spine fracture that required surgery, and the fall down the stairs the following year. She really has done quite well (physically) considering all that. However, her life-style changed so much that all she seems to have left is anger, bitterness and hatred. She still talks about work...that was always her love. Some people shouldn't have children.