Bless your heart. I know you love your mother, and I know this hurts you seeing her in this condition. You may have to face the fact that she will never be able to come home. This happens to some people. They just don't recover, but then there are people who after years and years of hospitalization, they all of a sudden recover -- and are just fine!! So there IS hope. NEVER give up hope!

Now, you CANNOT let this ruin YOUR life. That would totally devastate her!! And if someone asks you where your mother is, just tell them she's been hospitalized for a long time -- if they ask what's wrong with her, just tell them you'd rather not talk about it, and leave it at that. It's really none of their business, right? And that goes for any girlfriend, unless you get really close and then you can share ONLY what you feel comfortable sharing.

So your Dad found another woman? Well, after a year I imagine he's lonely. And he knows too that your Mom probably won't be coming home any time soon. She may never come home, my friend. Your Dad has talked to the doctors and he knows more than you do, I'm certain. They have probably given him a prognosis. So Dad has probably figured that it's "okay" for him to seek the company of another woman. And I guess I don't really blame your Dad -- I'm sure he IS lonely. I think he should have talked it over with you though before he started dating.

Perhaps you could ask your dad about getting you some therapy, because you could really use it. I'm NOT saying that you're crazy or you're following in your Mom's footsteps or ANYTHING even close to that. What I'm saying is you're having a tough time dealing with all this -- the fact that your Mom is in the hospital, the fact that your Dad is dating, and the fact that you're crying all the time. I just think you need a professional to talk to. I think you'd benefit greatly from a therapist. Talk to your Dad about it, okay? Promise?

I wish you the very best my friend. God bless you and PLEASE keep us posted as to what happens and how you're doing. Hugs, Lee