Dear Judy,
I am 38 and married with 3 kids. Our mother has colon cancer, very advanced, and my brother, who is a volunteer fireman, never has time to help in her care.
I understand his volunteer work is important to him and his community, but it really pisses me off, because I too have responsibilities (my youngest is 3 years old!) and there’s only so many hours in the day.
Our mother is very weak. She is under hospice care, living at home, but she needs the presence of her relatives, which is us, and our support.
What should I say to my brother who says he never has the time to come around and see her.
Candace
Dear Candace,
Tell your brother exactly what you’ve told me. That right now your mother needs him, but most likely within a fairly short period of time she won’t be around to need him.
The community will always be there. So will the fire department.
Thank you for writing
Judy
