The ups and downs of this disease

SBGal

Just venting here! I wish I could understand/predict what will affect my MIL's behavior! Two recent events and she reacted the opposite way in both situations than I was prepared for.

We recently took her across the country, on the plane, to visit family. We discussed it for months before. I very much expected a panic attack/anger, you name it, on the plane or in the airports. Nope! She did marvelously. Other than obsessing about the in flight entertainment screen and where her purse was while on the plane, but did really well! Overall the trip was fantastic and we all enjoyed ourselves.

Back home 1 week later, and my sister has had major surgery. When she is released to go home, she needs to borrow an easy chair for a couple of weeks while she recuperates. I ask MIL if she can borrow the chair she has in her den and she agrees. (Currently I am the one who mostly uses the chair). They picked up the chair and MIL is Obsessing over this chair being gone! She can't remember where it has gone and is very mad it is missing. I keep reminding her it is at my sister's (who she knows and enjoys). I put a note on her table saying the chair is with my sister. She has written all over the note "back in 2 weeks". She even marked the return date on her desk calendar! And for some reason she is mad at my husband/her son about the situation. She is glaring at him every night. My sister even called her to thank her for the use of the chair. Thought that would help. Evidently, she thinks of the chair as my deceased FIL's chair, so it is some emotional connection to him! Didn't understand that. I may have to ask for the chair back. 🙄

SusanB-dil

Sure enough, we can't tell which way a situation is going to go! I'm really glad the trip went well for all of you.

Could you put a 'substitute' chair in its place? I wouldn't ask for it back, as sis needs it, and MIL is just fixated on it, for now. Wonder if another chair would work, and maybe put a sheet over it in a similar color as the recliner, and maybe a small footstool in front of it, covered with same sheet? It certainly may not fool her, but it may appease her. You could also try telling her that something was wrong with it, maybe the 'lift part', and it is out for repair. repeat as necessary.

SBGal

Thanks for the suggestion. I may try a substitute chair, but I am realizing anything "out of place" is a trigger!