“And now?”
“I thought this visit would finally allow me to return the favor.”
I reached for her hand.
“Mom, friendship isn’t a debt. You don’t have to repay someone by exhausting yourself.”
For several seconds, she didn’t speak.
Then tears began rolling down her cheeks.
The following afternoon, I called Ellen.
This time, Mom willingly gave me her number.
Ellen sounded relieved when I introduced myself.
“How’s Evelyn?” she asked immediately.
“She’s recovering. She became dehydrated and needed medical attention.”
“Oh, I’m so sorry. I knew she was tired, but she kept insisting she felt fine.”
“How’s
Margaret?”
“Resting. She’s been asking about Evelyn.”
I hesitated before continuing.
“Ellen, can I ask how much help your mother actually needs?”
There was a long silence.
Finally, she admitted, “More than I’ve wanted to acknowledge.”
Margaret could still manage some things independently, but she needed practical assistance and supervision throughout the day.
