*Decline*

I wanted to go straight from work to pick up my mom and dad who both have rapidly declining health.
That’s what my plan was for today.
I wanted to bring them back to town to go see the Waco planes at Wynkoop, since that’s what my dad has always loved.
I haven’t been able to speak to my parents since last Sunday despite trying to pay their phone bill.
I just want to know that they’re okay.
But my brother told me they weren’t home and I had no way to get ahold of them.
So on my way home, my hope for seeing them was gone.
Still not knowing how sick my mother still is or isn’t.
And the only other thing in the world I wanted to do was come home and be with my kids.
Stay home.
Play in the yard, take a walk, read books at bedtime, go for a drive.
But I got a phone call from a co-worker who needed a favor.
And I would have said no if at any point you had said,
“Katie, I’m gonna give you shit for this later to make you feel like a bad Mom, and me seem like a better Dad.”
Honestly, I hoped you would say no.
I hoped my sister said no.
I WANTED to stay home with my sons.
My day wasn’t fucking great, thanks for asking.
But I figured dealing with more assholes treating me like shit really couldn’t make my day any worse, so I might as well try to put some cash in my pocket, and help a friend in need.
But yeah, I was entirely expecting to be made to feel like a piece of shit for it afterward.
And that’s okay, like you said over the phone, I made my choice.
And I’m not unwilling to indefinitely defend my choice.
I hope my sons have witnessed it enough to have learned from it.
Maybe now I can pay my parents phone bill, or for mom to get treatment, or dad to have surgery.
Maybe if I work harder than anyone ever gives me credit for, and eventually it pays off…
Our children will see.
I always tell you I love you.
I always tell them I love them.
Love does not diminish just because I have to work harder and sacrifice more for them.
And I will never stop.
I don’t want to speak to you if we cannot be respectful to one another.
I’d appreciate it if you just call me some other time, I’m really done being treated like shit for the day.
It’s late, and I’m tired.
So sweet dreams, goodnight.
I love you.
*Decline*