Tried this. Didn’t work of course, especially since our mother had YEARS of quality material (sibling rivalries and insecurities) to feed on and pit against the other. I didn’t have a prayer convincing either of my brothers they were being used in her game to victimize and use me for resources. That she had been faking an illness for years to gain sympathy and an excuse not to work or pay bills or deal with the responsibilities she had saddled on the rest of us. And while I have facts (paper trails, emails, digital records etc.), one brother is convinced I’m the devil.

I know what I did and didn’t do. I know the level of bullsh*t I put up with. And I know who the real monster in this whole situation is. I’m also thrilled to have her and her drama out of my life. She is now just a sad old lady who will eventually turn on her sons too.