From Slate Magazine · Jenée Desmond-Harris · · 2m
MIL Brings Dead Bird to Home
MIL insists on moving with dead cockatiel in freezer.
In brief
MIL insists on moving with dead cockatiel in freezer. Mother-in-law demands to move in with dead cockatiel in freezer, causing family conflict. Originally reported by Slate Magazine.
MIL wants to move in
My husband’s mother, Carol, can no longer live independently due to mobility issues and wants to move in with us.
Corky died two years ago
Carol insists on bringing her dead cockatiel Corky, who died two years ago, to live with us.
Corky in freezer
Carol has kept Corky in her freezer since his death and expects us to store him in ours.
Cremation refused
Carol balked when I suggested cremating Corky and keeping his urn so he could remain with her.
Family fighting
Tom and I have been fighting over this for weeks, with Tom putting pressure on me to give in to Carol’s demand.
Carol won’t budge
Carol won’t budge on this issue, can’t afford home health aide, and my husband won’t let her go to assisted living.
Slate’s advice
Slate suggests getting a mini freezer for $100 to keep Corky in Carol’s bedroom at home.
Carol’s demand
Carol insists on seeing Corky every day, saying she needs to be able to see him daily.
Family conflict
My MIL insists on bringing her dead cockatiel to live with us, causing family conflict.
Slate’s solution
Slate recommends a mini freezer for $100 to keep Corky in Carol’s bedroom at home.
Carol’s refusal
Carol refuses to budge on this issue, can’t afford home health aide, and my husband won’t let her go to assisted living.
Family pressure
Tom is putting pressure on me to give in to Carol’s demand to move in with her dead cockatiel.
Slate’s advice
Slate suggests getting a mini freezer for $100 to keep Corky in Carol’s bedroom at home.
What happens next
Carol insists on seeing Corky every day, but family conflict continues over dead bird in freezer.
The one thing
Mother-in-law demands to move in with dead cockatiel in freezer, causing family conflict.
