Guilt?…

I have had a few accidents in my short life that have not been my fault, nor in my hands, but I feel guilty that they happened. For example, my great-grandma literally “tumbled” down the stairs on my parents’ anniversary. They headed out early in the morning, and so I was in charge of watching my 4 younger siblings and great-granny, who has vertigo and was visiting over the Christmas break. She was standing at the top, and I know this because I heard her talking to my 9 year-old sister as I was serving up cereal. Then sudddenly, I head this BOOM! and picture frames are falling and when I turn around, there is gramma, white as a sheet, laying at the bottom of the stairs and blocking the front door. I yelled her name a few times, and she didn’t answer. I called 911 asap, and one thing led to another and then the ambulence came and took her away. With my tears dried out, I was in shock for the rest of the day. Gramma came back from the hospital with stapels in her head and a bandage on her arm. The reason why I’m explaining all of this is because I feel like I could’ve prevented her fall and it was my fault. How can I get over this guilt I have?

Category: Family Tags: Guilty asked April 3, 2014

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The girl with the frying pan

3 Answers

This is not your fault, it was an accident. Honestly, she would have fallen whether you were there or not. You did the right thing, you got help, you have nothing to be guilty for. I am sorry to say this, but your parents should NOT have left your responsible for 4 children and your grandmother, nor should you parents have your great grandmother going up and down stairs without help. If it helps relieve your guilt (even though this was NOT your fault) just really try to help out with your grandmother, don't have her go up and down stairs, bring whatever she needs to her. Just relax, your great grandmother sounds like she will be ok.

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firefly22

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You should actually be thankful to yourself that you were alert & aware of what happened. You heard the noise and you reacted. You didn't panic and freeze, you got help right away and trust me - your grandmother appreciates that more than you think! You saved her life dear. There is nothing to be guilty about saving a person's life. It happens, elderly people fall all the time and really - there is nothing we can do about it. So chin up, wipe away your tears. Your grandma is still here & it's thanks to you! <3

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Mislead

832

I agree with the others, its not your fault. I can relate to how you feel because although in a different situation, I too have faced the same problems. There have been many times that I have been present and yet unable to do anything and I dunno how but I do think I couldve prevented those things from happening.. But the thing is, you need to let it go. You were looking after your younger siblings and that in itself was a difficult task I assume. About your greatgranny, well, she would've fallen whether or not you were there.. It's in the past now, so put it in the past. She's okay and thats the bright side. Don't guilt yourself about something that you hadno control over..

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Strawberry

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