Don't Carry Other's Burdens

Emily walked into the kitchen finding her mother at the dinner table supporting her head. Her disheveled hair cascading all around her hands. Recognizing a hangover. The drinking has gotten worse since she lost her job, that was a month ago. Spending our funds in the hope of forgetting her own mistakes. Knowing that we cannot afford to squander, Emily sat in front of her.

Her mother in a miserable state peaked through her fingers.

“What do you want?” annoyed with the unwanted attention. Her pounding headache has not yet subsided.

“Why are you doing this? We cannot afford to spend our money on alcohol when we have bills to pay.”

After Emily’s father left, they both relied on each other to make ends meet. Unfortunately, Emily’s mother has not been very helpful. She is devastated with the loss of her husband and seeks alcohol to subdue the pain.

“Ho-do not give me that. I get to spend my money how I choose.”

Her mother did not apologize or acknowledge that Emily herself had been sacrificing her young adult life to keep the bills at bay. She had to pick up more hours at work, since her mother hadn’t been working. Dedicating her life more to work, she is hardly home and barely have time for herself. Usually arriving late, and noticing her mother’s failed attempt on hiding countless empty liquor bottles.

“Why are you doing this? Drinking, when we should be working together” Emily attempt to resolve any torment feeling that her mother may be suffering, with a straightforward manner. Her mother lacks communication. Glimpses of self-destruction are enough concern to initiate an intervention. All the proof surrounds them, the failed attempts in hiding her ill habits, and the wedge between their relationship.

“You’re just a child; you do not know what I am going through! At age 21, you have no experience and nothing to offer. If only your father was here helping, my life wouldn’t be so awful.” Abruptly, her mother stormed off to her room. Leaving Emily in disbelief, watching the empty space that once held her mother. Her attempt at intervention backfired. She immediately grabbed her purse and left for the nearby park. Her only day off and she will be spending it alone.

As tears slowly cascaded down her face, she found a bench to gather her thoughts. As she wiped her face, she felt a presence next to her. She looked up and saw another girl. Around her age.

“May I ask?” The girl asked while facing forward.

Emily stared at her, puzzled. If sharing her troubles would fix anything. A stranger, she does not seem threatening, and besides she might not ever see her again. So, she decided to share her troubles.

“Why do you tolerate it?” She turned toward Emily and asked with a sincere smile.

“What do you mean? She is my mother I must help her” Emily replied confused with the question.

“Yes, she is your mother, but she is also an adult. She needs to be accountable for her own actions. You are enabling her selfish habits and preventing you from living your own life. Is this not true?”

Emily jaw dropped. More tears threaten to fall out. The revelation of a choice! To truly be herself sounds reachable. But her mother is in a dark place how can she leave her at this time.

The stranger continued. “Most people find themselves when they fall to their lowest, as there is nowhere else to go but up. Her dilemma is not yours, and you cannot fix it for her. She must change herself. Karma is what she is enduring. You can support her, by allowing her to realize she can change without coddling her. Give her resources to improve, but do not do it for her.”

“Thank you. Who are you?” Emily felt warmth and strength from this stranger.

“Just call me Anna, your guardian angel” she said it as she began fading away.

Emily watched with utter shock. Right before her eyes the stranger faded from solid to transparent. Fear did not creep up. This stranger gave off a sense of complete love. This inner strength was now present within Emily, and she knew someone loving was watching and guiding her. She has been encouraged to live her life and allow her mother to be the adult she needs to be.

She rushed home. She approached her unconscious mother and placed a kiss on her forehead. She stared at her sleeping form. Battling the thought of helping her, however she knew she could not carry her burden. Kneeling, she prayed for her mother to find the strength to help herself.

Bags in hand, she left a note:

“My dear Mother,

I truly love you! But as I have grown to a young adult, I have not experienced life myself. I am pursuing my education and will return once I have completed it. Please do not be concerned. I will call you in a few days when I settle. Please understand that I am doing this for us as you are too co-dependent, and you too need to live your own life. Please find the strength to cease drinking and begin a prospers life. I left resources beside this letter. I have not abandoned you, only given you back your independence.

Sincerely

Your daughter Emily. “

Disclaimer: Alcoholism is a serious disorder, and should be taken serious. This is a fictional short story of the main character taking charge of her own life and not living in another persons shadow. If someone you know has alcoholism or drinking problem pls contact

"National Drug and Alcohol Treatment Hotline" 1-800-662-4357.