Bebop,

Thanks for your reply. And yes, it is so very hard to just walk away from the relationship..... sorry you can relate to that too.

I'd like to think my mom knows what she's doing is wrong.... but she has told me that the store won't miss it and they kind of owe it to her anyway after all she has purchased from them. My mom has always been the type that she'll do something for you if you do something for her... even as a mother-- her "love"-- if one would call it that, was always conditional.

"Letting the chips fall where they may" is probably the best thing.... though it is hard to just let it go as the "responsibility chain" tightens around my neck!

Thanks for your insight and support.

mandy