I answered her call and listened to the lame excuses she had for not calling or coming by to see him. I did not let her off the hook easily, as I am a very forthright individual and speak freely. I pointed out times she posted on her facebook how she was spending a day in our area, but never called to come see her son. She claimed that it felt awkward coming here because we no longer regarded her as family (after she said horrible things about us on her facebook page when I refused to bend to her will). I told her that she was not coming to visit us, she was coming to visit her son and how she felt about us should not be a factor in the time she makes for him. She gave a lot of the same old song and dance of agreeing with me, but likely learned nothing. I assured her from day one, and did so again today, that we would never deny her seeing her son as long as she conducted herself in a healthy manner when here with him. She stated that she felt it would be awkward coming to see him with her new baby when it's born and I told her it would, but that Aaron was worth her discomfort with the situation.
In hindsight, I think about the conversation and I suspect that Aaron wasn't the primary reason for her call. She began the call with telling me that she was going into the hospital tonight and being scheduled for an emergency cesarean section either tomorrow or the next (she is 34 weeks pregnant at this point). I believe that discussing Aaron was planned also, or at the very least expected, but not the principal motivation for the call. I have come to know the selfishness and self-centeredness of these kids all too well these past few years and I suspect she just couldn't help but tell me her new baby will be here very soon, much sooner than anticipated. After all, everything has always got to be about them (insert sarcasm here).
After the goodbyes and after I managed to get Aaron back to sleep for his nap, I lay in Zoe's bed with her. I hope I brought her some comfort, I know she brought me some comfort and I even dozed off with her there in her dog bed for about a half an hour. It's sad really. I have more respect, love and understanding for this wonderful dog than I do for the mother of my grandson. A grandson who I adore in spite of these days when he proves positively beastly... Plus, he makes no excuses, lame or otherwise, for his beastly behavior. There comes a time when you stop caring what excuse comes next or what justification they may give for their actions or inactions. Ultimately, they will one day have to explain it to Aaron and he's a very smart little boy already. I have no doubt he will allow their actions to speak for themselves.