I am hoping with everything I am that Saturday goes well and a different life is in sight for you & your Mother.It sounds as though you and I have a lot in common, experience-wise, dear RTP. I sometimes resented my mother for not leaving him, especially after the s*xual abuse, but I came to realise that she was just as much his victim as I was. And she and I have grown together into strong women who will no longer take any tit from men and grey-rock my father while we still have to share a house with him. (There are prospective buyers coming to see it on Saturday, though, so fingers crossed.) I think when one has a narcissistic parent, as both you and I do, one imbibes their wants, mores and control so thoroughly that it can be difficult to properly establish not only one's own identity, let alone forge the powerful relationship between mother and daughter which is so valuable and life-affirming. It takes so much time to free oneself from the long, cold shadow the narcissist casts and move forth into the light. Treasure your Mama, dear RTP, and let her know every day how much she is loved. xxx
From the sounds of it I also have the same type of situation with my dearest Mum.
I sometimes felt harsh towards my mum, for putting up with his tit for so long, I had to be an adult from a very early age, however I've come to realise the extent of unhappiness she felt & how it drained any strength she had. I stuck up for mum, so hard & to my peril, we moved out temporarily when I was aged around 12 & I begged her to leave him, but we went back. When the divorce did start, it was clear why she had had all her energy sapped, it took an absolute age, cost over £100k in lawyers fees, as there was a family business involved too. He would simply ignore all legal letters etc. I've since found out he hid money also.
Sometimes I wonder if it's wrong to be so close & love so much, don't get me wrong we can argue like cat & dog sometimes, but I think we're blessed.
I will be thinking of you in the lead up to Saturday & saying little prayers for you x