Tuesday 28 September 2010

Well, it's still all happening here

I was very excited about our forthcoming holiday, possibly a bit over the top.  But, we've worked hard to earn the money to pay for it.

I was simply over the moon about my new embroidery/textiles course.

Until my bro was here to visit, that is.  He was here for three weeks which isn't usually a problem.  And, he was here while Mr T was away for a few days on a motorbike trip with his mates.  Not usually a problem.

Except that I came home from an evening at the rural, to find he had downed a bottle of Jack Daniels.  A medium bottle of 40% proof, of my JD.  He wasn't too bad when I left him to go to bed as my back was very sore. (It had been my turn to do the supper and it takes it out of my back)

I had to come downstairs again and ring my daughter, as I was scared bro needed an ambulance - that he would die, or get up and hit me if I said the wrong thing.  He can be violent in drink.

Daughter stayed on the 'phone while son-in-law raced up in the car.  He helped me to aid bro while he was being sick.  I was so worried and angry, as well as embarrassed for s-i-l, that I took some video.

Next day, he stayed in bed for most of it.  I went off to wherever I needed to go and Mr T returned home. I kept thinking 'Oh my god, some people have to put up with this on a daily or nightly basis!'

Then, the next day, after I had been in a daze of upset, nearly bursting into tears while shopping in town, I vowed that he needed to go.  However, I couldn't send him away after he has been rejected by our mum, for no good reason.  I decided I needed to at least say something to him.

He told me that I was over-reacting.  I dared him to say such a thing, how dare he?!  I know he is an alcoholic, he doesn't know it yet, it seems.  I offered to take him to AA, but he said he wouldn't do it until he got home.

He has now gone home, under a cloud.  We looked into the drinks cupboard and have found, unsurprisingly, that all the bottles are somewhat lower.

I am so upset at the prospect of what might lay ahead for him.  We have always looked after each other.  I cannot look after him, there is nothing I can do to make this better for him.

2 comments:

Some Chilean Woman said...

I'm sorry to hear about your brother. My younger brother is staying with us for a little while too because his girlfriend dumped him. He had nowhere else to go, he has nothing, no money, no education, nothing but a stinky mattress. He doesn't drink, but he lives for computer games. He will stay in his tiny room all day and all night playing. We're worried that he won't do anything with his life, but like you said, we cannot look after him, there is nothing we can do for him to have the drive, it has to come on his own.
It's very difficult to watch family members go through these things. We had a bit or an argument over it, and now he wants to move out because he feels 'disrespected'. I'm actually looking forward to the day we get this place back to ourselves, stuff like this brings you down.
I'm sorry to hear about your brother, I thought you might want to know there is someone out there that kinda knows what you might be going through.

Buggles Balham High Road said...

I hope things work out for your brother. So sad.

Meanwhile, enjoy your holiday and where are you going then?