What Are They Saying About Me?

I don’t expect anything from anyone. I do not feel entitled to any sort of reaction or special treatment. I’m not hoping for anyone to say anything specific to me in this time.

As an objective observation, I have had a variety of responses when I started to tell my peers what was going on.

For the most part, I have had people ask or tell me to go prioritize and take care of myself. That is much easier said than done, but I appreciate the sentiment.

My grandfather on the phone heard the sadness in my voice, “get over it!” he said. I think he was joking or something, but it really didn’t land.

I found myself consoling other people, unrelated to the situation, when I told them.

I think there definitely was a time where I would care what everyone was saying and thinking about me.

Some people want to joke around with me to lift the mood.

My extended family seems happy enough with me. My siblings, I don’t think they recognize that I’m putting my life on hold for this. I did it so that they could continue with their lives, and so my mom would not navigate this alone.

I knew this would be my cross to bare, and I will follow through.

But it’s hard, ya know?