Kate, that is just plain unfair of your Mom. But sorry to say, that is the way it usually is. The faithful doting child is already there. It’s the child who seldom comes, or does next to nothing that has to be wooed and won over. It might sound harsh, but give your Mom a feeling that you are not her lady in waiting. She may appreciate you more.

Although I have a good relationship with my brother, I asked my mother to separate all her belongings in writing as to who gets what. She has taken photographs of her jewellery and labelled everything according to who gets it. I had no scruples encouraging her to do that.

Did you ever tell your father that you would want that picture? Did he say you should have it? If so tell that to your mother.