The Bear Minimum

I’ve gotten a response. It’s not good, dear reader.

My mother, my poor, mentally afflicted mother, has sent back a response of surprising acidity and cruelty. She’s accused my wife of stealing from her, of siphoning cash off to her family - none of whom she’s any contact with, of course - and told me that she’ll help me if I choose to leave my wife. She’s called my wife some very unflattering names, and has played the part, in her mind, of the sad mother dutifully trying to protect her son. Let me remind you, dear reader, that my wife works hard, is a wonderful, loving, and caring partner, and that we’ve been happily married for the past ten years.

It’s very sad to see her go this way, to see her mind start to crumble and deteriorate. I’ve seen episodes before, some quite shocking, but never before have I seen her persecute one person in this way, and it’s frustrating and angering that it’s my wife, who’s been a supportive and loving daughter in law, in spite of many reasons not to be.

My mother is suggesting that I secretly find an IFA to sort through our accounts, that I get a house insurance quote ‘in case…’ and she’s also suggested I change the beneficiary and so on of my private medical insurance, again, ‘in case…’

She also sent me information on loans, should I need ‘quick cash’ to get away from my wife quickly. I’m left feeling so very tired, and rather angry. I know that, to a degree, she can’t help what she’s saying, but her reluctance to get aid is what makes me angry. She’s violently opposed to psychiatric help of any sort - making my career path ironic, I know - and reacted by storming out of the house and driving away in tears, not to be seen for hours, the last time someone suggested she seek help.

My wife is also very hurt, as she was once very close with my mother. Alas I think that is forever gone, and now we sit back and wait to see if my mother is just having an episode, or if this is a full psychotic break.