Instead, Margaret needed assistance with meals, getting around the house, and ordinary daily activities.
Ellen had been caring for her mother for months while also working.
When Mom arrived, she offered to help for a few days.
But at eighty, she hadn’t realized how physically demanding the responsibility would be.
She spent nights listening for Margaret in case she needed assistance.
During the day, she helped prepare meals and manage everyday tasks.
She became so busy and tired that she started skipping her own meals.
By the fourth day, her stomach was upset, and she could barely eat.
“I bought a train ticket to come home early,” Mom admitted.
“The ticket I found?”
She nodded.
“But Margaret was having a difficult morning, and Ellen had already gone
to work. I couldn’t leave her alone.”
“So you missed your train?”
“Yes.”
“And stayed another three days?”
“I thought I could manage.”
I looked at her in disbelief.
“Mom, you’re eighty years old.”
