To Aaron:
What a loving son you are!
Sweetheart, just about everyone has doubts about religion and faith at one point or another in his or her life. And your mom has got a LOT of stress upon her right now, with her mother sick and not much family around to talk to. Then you add the responsibility of being a single parent, and there is a lot on your mom's plate at this moment.
I can really empathize with your mom. I lost my own mother four years ago, and it was a major emotional upheval for me. I still miss my mother terribly. At least for me, a lot of my identity as a woman and as a mother came from the example my mom set for me, and losing her was like losing a piece of my heart.
The surprise birthday party you had for your mom was a terrific idea. I'm sure she needed the support and just plain fun with her friends. It's a shame you can't have a party for her every week, but that just isn't possible.
My suggestion to you is to try to take some of the responsibility of the household off your mom's shoulders. If her mother is in the hospital, the running back and forth, work to home to hospital to home, along with all the household duties, is going to make your mom exhausted. Offer to cook dinner; clean up without being asked; do your chores and then MORE cheerfully and without hassle. You are old enough to take on the task of running the house, and that would be such a relief for her.
Go with your mom to church as often as possible. You might even call your pastor and see if you can set up an appointment for her to talk with him. She needs to unload some of that stress she's carrying around, and some pastoral counseling will probably help her a great deal. If she tries to back out by saying, "I just don't know if I believe in God any more," tell her the pastor is the BEST person in the world to talk to about that.
You might also suggest your mom schedule an appointment with your family doctor. She's running herself down, and she needs to make sure her health is holding up. If YOU think your mom is showing signs of depression, then YOU call and talk to her doctor before the visit. Just explain, "I'm really worried about my mom. She's got a lot going on right now, and she can't seem to handle anything any more." The doctor will understand completely, and know the questions to ask your mom to find out how she's REALLY doing.
The last thing is most important of all. Pray for your mom. Ask God to give her the strength she needs and the understanding she needs in her life right now. And ask God to show you how YOU can help her the most. When you give your mom a hug and a kiss goodnight, tell her that you're praying for her.
And bless you, Aaron. You are a loving, caring, son.
Peace be with you,
~VOW
