After years of being in constant turmoil with my narcissistic mother, I'd finally cut her out of my life and out of my toddler son's life as much as possible, and was doing a lot of healing on my own and focusing on my family rather than her influence. When the pandemic hit, and she lost her job and was no longer allowed to do her social activities, I worried she would slip into depression. And I also wanted my son to be able to have interactions with my whole family especially during this time when they were the only people not off limits (at least at the time). Then my husband broke his leg and we truly needed help from family.

So far, everything has gone smoothly and is benefiting everyone. I even used this time to have my first professional counseling session aimed at healing that past relationship with my mom. I know things won’t be perfect, but I'll always remember where I ran when it all started going downhill and will cherish the good parts overlooking the bad.