I often feel like the most sensitive way to let people handle difficult situations is to give them time alone, but OTOH I'm not sure that's not just a reflection of the fact that I cope with things best via solitary time, and therefore project that need onto others.JessieK wrote:I feel awkward calling my parents' house. I feel as if I should let my mom grieve without interfering. It's strange.
When each of my parents died, I found that what I needed most from other people was so odd and idiosyncratic it was hard for me to ask for it -- after my mom died, I wanted people to go to midnight movies with me, and after my father died, my only consolation was chain-smoking on a certain friend's back porch (it had a great sunset view, and there were usually people hanging out inside so I didn't feel lonely).
You could just tell your mom right out front that whatever she might want you to do with her or for her, whatever might help her feel better, no matter how eccentric it might seem, she shouldn't be afraid to ask you.
Noel