So I spelled the title wrong. Just remember the definition of the word and you will ask for forgiveness.
I often try to pull my mother (who is diagnosed as Schizophrenic) out of her constant ramblings. I always assume her conversations are detrimental to her mental health. I believe if she just stopped talking to herself, everything would be fine. I pray that she will be like a normal person who can function in social settings. However, the older I get the more I see how patronizing that assumption can be. Sometimes she has calm and collected conversations. Sometimes she laughs at a joke. Sometimes she teaches herself the better way. I believe some of her sanity is wrapped up in our our cultural insanity. Our desire to fit into a mold. Our desire to be praised. Our desire to prove others wrong or right. Our desire to be the best.
I can often be patronizing when I ask her if I can help. If I give her a hug because she looks blue. If I ask her if I can make her lunch. Sometimes when I approach her with every intention of "curing" her, she often says, "Tammy! Stop playing nurse". I am not a nurse, nor would I ever wish to be. I suppose I need to stop treating my mom like a child. She is old enough to make her own decisions. I love her for her strength and personality. Even when that personality is intimidating, sometimes scary. I have to trust that God has her best interest in mind.
I am still very patronizing by nature. I am trying to overcome that flaw. I always assume people need my help or sympathy. Sometimes they don't need it, so I need to learn to let it go.
I often try to pull my mother (who is diagnosed as Schizophrenic) out of her constant ramblings. I always assume her conversations are detrimental to her mental health. I believe if she just stopped talking to herself, everything would be fine. I pray that she will be like a normal person who can function in social settings. However, the older I get the more I see how patronizing that assumption can be. Sometimes she has calm and collected conversations. Sometimes she laughs at a joke. Sometimes she teaches herself the better way. I believe some of her sanity is wrapped up in our our cultural insanity. Our desire to fit into a mold. Our desire to be praised. Our desire to prove others wrong or right. Our desire to be the best.
I can often be patronizing when I ask her if I can help. If I give her a hug because she looks blue. If I ask her if I can make her lunch. Sometimes when I approach her with every intention of "curing" her, she often says, "Tammy! Stop playing nurse". I am not a nurse, nor would I ever wish to be. I suppose I need to stop treating my mom like a child. She is old enough to make her own decisions. I love her for her strength and personality. Even when that personality is intimidating, sometimes scary. I have to trust that God has her best interest in mind.
I am still very patronizing by nature. I am trying to overcome that flaw. I always assume people need my help or sympathy. Sometimes they don't need it, so I need to learn to let it go.
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