I recently accompanied my mom to South Carolina to see her older brother. He and my aunt are moving to Michigan where she has family so that she has help caring for him.  He has diabetes and some other health issues that are starting to change his quality of life. He is my mother’s only sibling. My aunt has cared for him and is now needs help. Her children and grandchildren live in Michigan and will help with my uncle’s care.

My mom has recently had her own health issues. She still lives in her own home and drives her own car. She moved to Atlanta to be closer to me. I think this trip was somewhat hard for her. She’s close to her brother and she and my aunt are like sisters. Some years ago she and my uncle moved my grandparents from Pennsylvania to South Carolina so that they would be closer to my uncle and aunt. My mom later made the same decision to move to my city to be closer to me. I guess things have now gone full circle.

During this trip she understandably had problems seeing my uncle as he was. He would be moving farther away from her and it may be harder to see him. On the way home she spoke about the issues they faced when they moved my grandparents. Her next question was, “Who is next?” She realizes this is part of life, but I’m sure she’s concerned about what will happen to her in the future. She always says she doesn’t want to be a burden.

I have told her that I will support her in any way I can. I plan to work with her now to put her wishes for the future in place. I am her oldest child and I believe she sometimes looks to me for assistance. My only sister lives in Boston and offers her support but I’m the hands on person since I’m right here with her. My mom cared for me before I was able to care for myself and I will care for her.