The process of moving a mother into independent living brings complex emotions for an only child. Feelings of sadness arise from the mother's significant life transition and health issues, compounded by isolation due to a lack of siblings. Feelings of frustration surface as clutter from the mother's home requires a tedious downsizing process. Nostalgia and yearning for a deeper connection are also highlighted, creating an emotional backdrop to the mother's move and the daughter’s reflections on their relationship.
As I look around my 83-year-old mother's home, I force myself to answer that question. How do you feel, Franne, on your 58th birthday? Well, it's complicated.
This is a sad life transition, having to leave her home of many years, which she shared with my deceased stepdad.
I feel overwhelmed. I don't have a sibling to help me deal with the fact that every surface of Mom's home is completely covered in clutter.
Somehow, we must 'downsize,' sorting and moving all this stuff into her new, much smaller apartment.
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