I’m a 58-year-old mom, estranged from my 32-year-old daughter, Hannah, who lives nearby. Last week, Hannah called me in tears, needing to go to the hospital due to severe pain. I refused to help, citing my husband’s inability to manage her three young kids. I suggested she take them or ask a neighbor. She begged, explaining her pain and that the kids were asleep, but I felt overwhelmed, recalling how she didn’t support me during my past surgery recovery. I told her she was being dramatic and needed to handle it herself.
My husband overheard, took the phone, and told Hannah he’d come over so she could get to the hospital. I was angry, insisting he couldn’t handle the kids, but he went anyway. The next day, I learned Hannah had emergency surgery for childbirth complications. Now, she won’t speak to me, my husband is distant, and my son expressed disappointment in me.
I thought I was being practical, but now I feel awful and wonder if I was wrong. Was I completely in the wrong?
