I have concerns about the persistant, ongoing dramas and dysfunctions unfolding for extended family members too, 3nanny6- My brother similarly ran himself into the ground as well, he's gone now-
Listening is the healthiest means of support I can offer- That and continually establishing boundaries- But I've no desire to be the glue, to be looked to to be leaned on, be an anchor or pillar- Its well worth my while to work beside another while they work through their issue, to assist but not assume their responsibility - That little bit of distance leaves enough room to foster mutual respect and learning something from working together -
It stung both of us when I told my brother no- It wasn't a matter of him asking for more than I could offer- But the sad "fact" that it was more than I could- We spoke by phone daily until he knew it was his time, we expressed our love and said goodbye-
Reading daughter’s diary 25 years on and the consequences