Posted by Karen_kay on March 10, 2004, at 16:07:17
In reply to Re: Just remember to take care of yourself » Karen_kay, posted by Dinah on March 10, 2004, at 8:44:25
Dinah,
Now I'm going to reveal the cold side of Karen, the side you've yet to see. This is how I feel about my mom and worrying about her...I used to worry myself sick about her and what she was going to do. Then I realized, "Hey, wait! She's an adult! And if she's not willing to accept any advice I offer, then I can't make her. But, I can choose not to worry about her, as worrying about her only affects me. It doesn't help me or her in the slightest." ANd you know what, I honestly don't worry about her anymore. I finally realized that you can help and help but if the other person isn't willing to accept that help or advice, then there isn't anything you can do. I honestly don't know how I came to this conclusion and finally stopped worrying about her, but I did. And my life is about 75% less stressed. The only person that you are responsible for in this world Dinah is you. So, if your dad doesn't take you up on the offer, then that's his loss. And if he calls you to complain, don't answer the phone. Lord knows that you have enough going on in your life that you can't handle even more stress.
You can't control how others choose to accept help, you can only control the fact that you offer. And you are very gracious to offer your dad the help you did. Now, if he isn't gracious enough to take you up on that offer, then he is the one missing out. But, you DID EVERYTHING you possibly could to help your parents int his situation. I hope that when I'm older I have a daughter just like you. I only hope that I'm not too stubborn to appreciate her. Take care of you and Harry. That's all you can control hun. (And don't you dare run away young lady, as I've missed enough class the way it is. I can't imagine how much I'd have to miss to go looking for you. Crap, I don't even know where you live or your name. Someone else would have to come searching for me as well and that would jsut cause a big old mess....)
poster:Karen_kay
thread:322154
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20040305/msgs/322993.html