Birthday
As I said a month ago this is just my safe space for major occasions. Yesterday was one such!
It was my birthday! My mum has remembered a week ago, given me some money to treat myself, but yesterday had completely forgotten until midafternoon. She suddenly said it's your birthday today isn't it. I confirmed this but instead of a happy birthday she pointed out I hadn't had many cards - indeed any as far as she knew, I had had one. I know I haven't. I was grateful to those people who on Twitter helped me mark it, but not many bothered and why should they?
I did see a friend the day before and that gave me reason to smile, though. But what I desperately hoped for was some, a little, contact from ex wife and children but none. Just a text message or email or something. I didn't get a Christmas card but in a text message that day she said they hadn't sent any cards and don't read anything into it. I'm sure I should read something into this now! I wrote a letter, hope it will do some good!!
No employment, 60 jobs applied for, elderly parent who remembers offers from a supermarket with more clarity than my birthday, I guess I'm keeping on keeping on
Replies
Happy Birthday!
Here's the good thing about writing it out, expressing your entire range of feelings, and acknowledging the changes in the way people remember birthdays of adults, and of friends no longer in close touch.
One of the saddest parts of families who have distance between them, is the lack of acknowledgement of birthdays and other holidays.
Keep on applying for work. Find your strengths in the simple things. You have excellent writing skills and you are working towards finding a balance with the elderly parent showing signs of 'loss of memory'.
You can do this.