I’m still trying to process everything that happened, and I honestly don’t know who else to turn to. My sister, Clara, and I have always been close, even with the six-year age gap between us. She’s the youngest, and my mom has always been especially protective of her. I never saw it as an issue—at least, not until this past week.
We ended up pregnant at nearly the same time, with our due dates just a month apart. We laughed about the coincidence, bought matching baby clothes, and talked endlessly about how our kids would grow up as best friends. Our pregnancies were so close, and we were both huge.
My mom immediately said, “I will go to Clara first, she’s younger, and she’s never been through this before.” Then, she added, “You’ll cope on your own.”
That was the first time I felt like I was second on the list. I told her I understood, and she hung up. I gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. As soon as she was cleaned up and in my arms, I texted my mom to let her know. I was so excited to tell her.
Her response completely gutted me. “Your sister’s baby is so beautiful! You have to see her! I’ll come by after she’s settled.” It was like my news didn’t matter. She didn’t even ask how I was doing. Just “Your sister’s baby is so beautiful.” My baby is beautiful, too. She’s perfect. But it felt like my mom didn’t care.
We came home from the hospital yesterday. My mom still hasn’t come by. She sent a text this morning, “Just checking in, hope you’re all doing well! Thinking of you!”
I didn’t reply. I don’t know what to say. I know I should be happy for Clara, and I am, but I feel so hurt. I can’t help but think about how my mom was a huge part of my first baby’s birth, and with this one, she wasn’t there at all. I don’t know what to do. Should I say something to her? Or should I just let it go and try to move on?”
Source: brightside.me