They may be divorced (after 44 years of marriage), and they live 50 miles from each other, but both of them required interventions within days of each other. My dad is the grumpy old alcoholic (77), and my mom the martyr (72). My sister and I won't play their games, though, and we are giving them unconditional love. They didn't know how to give it to us, but we figured it out. And wouldn't you know it? They're thriving on it. You can see it, visible to even total strangers. It feels like we're doing all the right things, my sister and I, so what's the problem?

Exhaustion. I come away from dealing with their needs simply stunned and exhausted. I spent most of Friday sorting out stuff for them both, and I feel like I've been run over by a semi-truck, 3 days later. And, since I drive those big beauties, that's a pretty significant thing to say. I feel like I've got "Peterbilt" indented into my back, in reverse script...."tlibreteP".

If all I end up with is tired, vs. e.g. emotionally wounded, then I think I'm getting the best possible outcome, or am I wrong about that? Is parental care draining to other people? I'd appreciate hearing what others think on this.

Thanks,
Lar