Connie's Corner

I have a problem....

I really am at a loss how to deal with. I have a sister-in-law (73) who calls me often, sometimes several times a week. One time she will talk normally, coherently, about everyday topics, and then the next time she speaks as though she just woke up, slurring her words, and not making much sense at all. At these times, she might be making sense, but I am unable to understand what she is saying. A person can ask, "What did you say?" only so many times. She never calls for any particular reason...I think she is just lonely. I have run out of things to talk about with her. She is on the dark, pessimistic side and I am not my usual self after she calls. I refuse to be mean or rude. Her other relatives refuse to talk to her. They either hang up when they hear her voice, let her leave a message or check before they answer. My Jim has asked her to please not call so often when he catches the call but it has made no difference. I, unfortunately, do most of the phone answering. She calls on our landline (I wouldn't dare give her our cell number) and I don't have caller id. I would answer even if I did. Her coherent calls are getting fewer and fewer. If anyone reading this has encountered this problem, I would be indebted for life for a solution. I'm writing about this tonight because I just hung up from the last rambling, non-intelligible call. Something about her being worried about her sister because she had not spoken with her in such a long time, and if I hear from her, would I please call and let her know how she is. I assured her I would, said I loved her, good night and hung up. What can I do? I feel so sorry for her but I cringe at her voice like the rest.... She has a husband and Jim says we should call and tell him, but I can hear him right there with her sometimes when she calls....

until next time....c