Dear Judy,
I guess this is pretty weird writing you, but I need advice and when I typed in some words your name came up on Google. I am 18 and I have a brain tumor. I’ll be going under the knife again pretty soon. I’m not saying I’m going to die. I don’t know though.
The problem is my mom. She’s always acting like everything is going to be just fine. Perfect. That was okay in the beginning when I was a little more optimistic than I am now. She’s always smiling whenever she sees me and telling me there’s nothing to worry about and refusing to talk to me seriously.
Well I am worried. For me, first of all. But also for my mom. All that smiling just creeps me out. Do you think she’s gone crazy or something?
Tom in California
Dear Tom,
To answer your last question first: no, your mother isn’t crazy. She’s simply trying to give you support the only way she knows how. It’s hard being a teenager and understanding a parent at the best of times (the reverse is also true). I realize full well that you are not going through the best of times.
Here’s an answer to a question you didn’t ask: it might be a good idea, since you feel an understandable need to talk seriously, to go to someone who won’t feel obliged to smile all the time. Maybe a therapist or a close friend. Probably both. I think difficult times call for a lot of help and a lot of talk. And I think if you explain this to your mother, she might help you find just the kind of help you need.
I hope you get it. And thank you for writing.
Judy
