Wow, bijous, that sounds so lonely. It's amazing how different families can be, isn't it? It's hard not to be jealous if your hubby's family works the way you want yours to work; it would be nice if your brothers could step up to the plate once in a while. No job is that important! What would they do if you weren't there, I wonder? I used to think I couldn't take time off, either, and almost missed saying goodbye to my biological mother when she was dying of cancer. Since my brother was living with her at the time, I just let him deal with it; I was too scared to face it. Finally, he called me up and said "Look; I know you don't want to hear this, but you've got to come see Mom while she's still here". That really shook me up and pulled my head out of the sand, and I love my brother for doing it. Maybe your brothers need a similar wake up call...?

If you don't take a break you'll crash and burn! Look into respite for anyone with p.d. and don't feel guilty. This may help u take time off. Feeling good is O.k.

Your no good to all these people who depend on you too much if you don't take care of yourself, stress can do real damage to you. I am not telling you anything you don't already know but really take it from someone who would wish for a person like you in my life, I took care of everyone,put them first, always thought since I had kids young when they grew up it would be my turn, life had other things in mind, I can't change the past, but please try to find at least a few hours a week to care for yourself.

We can understand those phone calls. And why do they always have to come so late at night. We placed my FIL in an assisted living home. It is not full time nursing care. They have a nurse on staff during the day and then assistants at night. They have been able to manage my FIL's issues. We still get calls, but they are at more reasonable times and are usually pleasant calls now rather than "He is dying from the pain - needs to go to Emergency room." calls. It was a very tough call to make, but he is being well taken care of and is doing so much better having his meds managed. Good luck.

Thank god there are wonderful caring people like you, these times will pass, and you will have the benefit of knowing you did the best job you could !! You are precious!! Even tho you are in a hard place x x

Hi bijou, it sounds like a certain group are not doing their share and obviously it all falls on your shoulders and is so unfair on you. There is a saying in the UK and you may have heard it, The more you're willing or appear to be willing to do things for people the more people put on you, so stand your ground and try to convay the situation to them.Good luck. dirk