So I've talked here previously about how my NM used my cancer to get attention for herself when I was diagnosed in 2007 and how devastating that was for me (although in hindsight it sealed the deal that it was NOT me who had the problem).
We're in wild fire season where I live and yesterday afternoon were put on evacuation alert. I am LC with my M but wanted to let her know in case it makes the news - it's likely it will because it's the largest fire in the province. So I emailed her. I also phoned to let our son know and he was good, concerned but calm. My NM on the other hand just happens to be on a road trip with her sister and niece and so it's a great opportunity for her to

. Never mind that it is us who are facing evacuation (or cancer or whatever), what is important is that she is worried/concerned/upset (i.e., reveling in the attention it garners her).
She does not disappoint. Quite the dramatic email awaiting me when I woke up and sounds like the entire family has now been put on alert. Fortunately she can't hear on the phone so I don't have to talk to her directly, but she did want me to phone and talk to my cousin. I am NC with all of them so nope, not going to happen.
Anyway, shades of the past rose up but I don't feel the same sense of loss and grief I did when I had cancer and realized she was using me to get attention for herself. I honestly started to laugh when I saw her email. So, recovery and healing have occurred - huzzah!