I clearly recall seeing my mum occasionally having to lie down. I had always questioned what triggered it because it seemed random. “Your mother has a headache, my father would hushedly explain to me and my siblings. Let her rest.” We knew that he wouldn’t be pleased if we made noise. It seemed like an eternity even though I knew she wouldn’t be in the room for very long.
Why do they happen so often? Was she upset with my father? “Surely, it was my brother’s loud music.” By the time I was in my teens, I knew the routine. When my mother would retreat to her room, the rest of us would find something to do quietly and leave her alone.
My father would step up to the plate and do the necessary things. He gave his best. I would feel sorry for her and wished I could do something. While it was probably only an hour or two, I was grateful that my father would contribute- without complaint, or anything and keep things running smoothly.
Through all of her episodes, he gave her his complete support. Encouraging her to rest, ditch the stress and stay hydrated. However, it’s not all gumdrops and butterflies. A marriage can be stressed by a health issue of any kind.
My mother occasionally has bad moods because of migraines. At times, she can skip some chores without explaining why. The most loving thing isn’t what my father has done, but what he hasn’t done. He didn’t run. After the first episode, the second, and the third. He stayed.
