Everything that belonged to her, including furniture she had bought when I moved in, was gone. Even my baby’s crib disappeared—because it had been a gift from her.
When I called her, she said, “This is what you get for being ungrateful! I cared for your children for years. Now that I can’t help, you’re ready to throw me away!”
But I don’t believe I’m being unreasonable. I’m not a nurse—I’m a mother of three with a full plate already.
I can’t shoulder the physical, emotional, and financial toll of caregiving alone.
At the very least, she could help financially. I love my mom, but love doesn’t pay bills or reduce stress. Nothing in life is free.
Am I truly wrong for asking that?
—Nancy
Her story raises a growing question faced by many families today: when love and duty collide, where do we draw the line between support and sacrifice?
