AITA for being mad my family didn’t call when my mom went to the ER for a possible stroke?

Asshole

I (42F) have a mom (62F) and a younger brother (33M). My mom’s had a rough few years medically, multiple major surgeries, cancer scares, organ removals (uterus, pancreas, etc.). My brother lives with her and takes care of her day to day.

Yesterday (Sunday), apparently they had to take her to the ER. I didn’t find out until today (Monday) when my mom texted me saying she’d been in the hospital.

Naturally, I asked what happened, and she told me they thought she was having a stroke. My heart dropped. I started asking a bunch of questions, and she said thankfully it wasn’t a stroke,  it was Bell’s Palsy. They treated her quickly and sent her home with antibiotics and muscle relaxers. I was relieved.

Then she said, “We decided not to call you because it was late and we didn’t want to stress you out.”

That honestly made me mad. I told her, “If you think you’re having a stroke, that’s a good reason to call me.” I told her I was upset that she and my brother didn’t tell me, but I was glad she was okay. I tried to let it go for the moment.

But as the day went on, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. If it had been a stroke, she could’ve died,  and I wouldn’t have even known until after the fact. The thought of missing that chance to be there for her, or to say goodbye, really got to me.

So I texted my brother, like:
Me: “What the heck, man? Mom could potentially be having a stroke and you guys don’t call me?!”
Him: “They literally saw her in less than an hour and confirmed she didn’t have one. It was late. If it was serious, I would’ve called.”
Me: “It was a possible stroke!”
Him: “That’s why I took her right away. And they confirmed it wasn’t. In less than an hour.”

We argued. I admit I said some mean things,  like that he’s not mature and that any adult would think to notify another loved one. He said I was making it all about myself.

Now I’m wondering if I overreacted. I am grateful she’s okay, but I still feel angry that no one thought to call me during what could’ve been a life-threatening emergency.

So… AITA for getting mad that they didn’t tell me?

TL;DR: My mom thought she was having a stroke and went to the hospital. My brother didn’t tell me until the next day because it turned out to be Bell’s Palsy. I got mad they didn’t call me, he says I’m making it about myself. AITA?

Posted Dec 1, 2025, 3:05 AM UTC

1364
Loading comments…