'I can't do anything due to my ailing mother-in-law'

Dear Diana,
I'm a housewife and spend most of the day with my mother-in-law. She is a nice person but is suffering from ailments that requires a person to take care of her round-the-clock. As it turns out, I am that person as of now. My husband and I even postponed having a baby because of her severe condition. It's been more than a year now and I doubt whether things are going to improve. She's only getting worse day-by-day. The other day she even asked me to 'help her die'. I was aghast and informed my hubby. We don't know what to do. I wish she was healthy but that ain't happening and I can do nothing else but look after her.
-u00a0Subur


Illustration/ Satish Acharya

Dear Subur,
You are overreacting to the situation. This is a life you have chosen, so why despair and moan? Take each day as it comes. There are many homes who have an ailing elderly at home who are taken care of. You say your mother-in-law is a nice person except for her health problems. While experiencing acute pain, she may have said that she does not want to live. But remember every person goes at the destined time. It's not in our hands. Instead of lamenting about your fate, keep her happy. Also, why not hire a help at home? This way you will have an extra hand and some time for yourself. Also, it is your decision to postpone motherhood, so why blame anyone? You can have a baby whenever you want.