Annie's Mailbox®, June 4
by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar
Dear Annie: I was married for 30 years before my husband passed away five years ago of colon cancer. During his 18 months of treatment, he was hospitalized four times for surgeries and infections, and each was followed by weeks of recuperation at home. I communicated almost daily with his parents, who lived in our town, and I assumed they conveyed the information to his brother, who also lived here, and to a sister in another state.
My in-laws did not provide any assistance with my hus ...
( Back to Article )
Join the Discussion
|
2 Comments | Post Comment
|
Posted by: wyndie
Comment: #1
Wed Jun 4, 2008 4:12 AM
My first thought about the elderly neighbor who sneaks inappropriate food to the letter-writer's dog was that she sees the dog as a kind of toy that she can make react to her. My second thought was that the neighbor doesn't really like the dog and would be glad if it got sick and died. The neighbor would certainly be able to feed the dog somehow, in spite of a solid fence, so my third thought was "Yes, send a certified letter promising legal action."
|
Posted by: Supermum
Comment: #2
Wed Jun 4, 2008 6:40 AM
Re the widow whose in-laws are ignoring her and her children: It may be very true that the widow has bent over backwards to keep a good relationship with her late husband's family. However, it is also possible that she herself has contributed to the problem - witness the brother-in-law who "has issues" with her and her kids. The sweetest, most loving people can be very difficult to deal with, especially if they are demanding, or emotionally unstable. I and several other members of my extended family are coping with a relative who needs and often asks for help, but, at the same time, sees that help, and any diplomatic suggestions for possible solutions ,as "interference" and "second-guessing". Then, when everyone backs off, this same person gets very offensive, complaining about no help from the family.
|
|
|
|
