When I Stepped Off the Bus and Saw My Own Mum Begging on the Street, My Husband and I Were Stunned. …

As I step off the bus, I spot my mother sitting on the pavement, begging. My husband and I are utterly stunned. Nobody knows shes doing this.

Im 43, and my mum is 67. We both live in the same city, but on opposite ends. Like many elderly people, my mother really needs someone to keep an eye on her. Still, she refuses to move in with me for one simple reason she has four cats and three dogs in her flat. She feeds every stray she comes across in the neighbourhood, too. Every penny I give her goes straight to medication or pet food.

I make sure to bring her everything she needs myself, certain she won’t spend any money on groceries or medicines otherwise. Just the other day, my husband and I had popped round a mates and decided to leave the car at his place, catching the bus home instead. You cant imagine my shock when I get off and see my own mother begging on the high street. Im completely lost for words. My husbands just as taken aback. He knows I budget money for my mum every month.

Of course, he wonders what on earth Ive been spending the cash on. Turns out, my mum is collecting money for her dogs and cats for their food and shots.

It all feels like a bad dream. But honestly, what would you think if you saw your own mum in such a state? What would my family, friends, and neighbours think? Obviously, theyd believe I was some heartless daughter whod abandoned her own mother. Now, I find myself searching the streets for her. Even after I shouted at her to stop, I know she still does it she just hides better from me these days.